Tô Lâm

Tô Lâm, born on July 10, 1957, is a prominent Vietnamese politician and former police officer who has made significant strides in the political landscape of Vietnam. Since 2024, he has held the esteemed position of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the highest political office in the country. In addition, he has served as the thirteenth president of Vietnam since 2026, having briefly held the presidency from May to October 2024.

With over forty years of dedicated service in the People's Public Security Forces, Lâm has risen through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Minister of Public Security in 2016. His extensive experience in law enforcement has shaped his political career, and he has been a member of the CPV since August 22, 1981. Lâm's educational background includes graduating from the Central Police School and the Vietnam People's Security Academy, which laid the foundation for his successful career.

Throughout his tenure, Lâm has been involved in significant anti-corruption initiatives, particularly during the campaign launched by his predecessor, General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng. Following Trọng's passing in July 2024, Lâm took charge of the Central Steering Committee on Anti-corruption and the Central Military Commission. His leadership has been marked by a focus on administrative restructuring and a controversial stance on civil liberties, including internet censorship and the suppression of dissent.

On May 18, 2024, Lâm was nominated by the CPV Central Committee to succeed Võ Văn Thưởng as president, following Thưởng's resignation amid the anti-corruption campaign. After a series of political transitions, he was elected General Secretary on August 3, 2024, and subsequently resigned from the presidency. Lâm was re-elected as General Secretary on January 23, 2026, and secured a full presidential term on April 7, 2026, solidifying his influence in Vietnamese politics.