Vietnam's President Resigns After Underlings Figure In Scams

Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has resigned after the Communist Party of Vietnam found him responsible for violations and wrongdoing of numerous officials under him, the country’s official news agency said, Reuters reported.

Photo Insert: There was widespread speculation about Phuc’s resignation following January’s dismissals of two deputy prime ministers who were working under him when he led the government.

Phuc, 68, a former prime minister, has held the largely ceremonial position for less than two years. It was not clear who would replace him.

“Fully being aware of his responsibilities before the party and people, he submitted an application to resign from his assigned positions, quit his job and retire,” the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported, citing the party’s Central Committee.

There was widespread speculation about Phuc’s resignation following January’s dismissals of two deputy prime ministers who were working under him when he led the government, Nikkei Asia also reported.

To become effective, Phuc’s resignation requires approval from the National Assembly. Reuters reported on Monday that the legislature would hold a rare extraordinary meeting this week.

Vietnam has no paramount ruler and is officially led by four “pillars”: The powerful party secretary, the president, the prime minister and the chairman of the parliament.

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