Vietnam's Minister of Public Security, To Lam, Elected as Country's New President

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Vietnam's National Assembly approves To Lam, Minister of Public Security, as the new President.

An Overview of the News

• Lam's appointment follows the resignation of former President Vo Van Thuong amid a corruption crackdown.

• Lam becomes the third President in less than 18 months in Vietnam, known for its stable politics.

• He holds the third most powerful position in Vietnam, after the Party Chief and Prime Minister.

• Lam is perceived as a hardliner in dealing with Vietnamese activists, with numerous dissidents and bloggers jailed during his tenure as Minister of Public Security.

Controversies Surrounding Lam:

• Lam faced criticism after a video surfaced of him being hand-fed an expensive gold leaf steak by celebrity chef Salt Bae during a UK trip.

• During the same trip, he visited the grave of communist icon Karl Marx

Constitutional Issues:

• Controversy arose regarding Lam's eligibility to hold both the position of President and Minister simultaneously.

• Some argued that the Constitution prohibits one person from simultaneously holding both roles.

• Lam was eventually dismissed from the Ministerial position before being elected President.