To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and a deputy of the 16th National Assembly (NA), is sworn in as State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the 2026–2031 term on April 7.

Party General Secretary, President To Lam sworn in, outlines development priorities

HANOI (VNS/ANN) -- To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and a deputy of the 16th National Assembly (NA), has been sworn in as State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the 2026–2031 term.
On the second day of the legislature’s first session on Tuesday morning, the NA approved his election with 495 out of 495 votes in favour, equivalent to 100 percent of deputies present, marking the second time a Party General Secretary has concurrently served as State President.
In his inaugural address, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam expressed sincere gratitude to voters and people nationwide, noting that their strong sense of responsibility, aspiration to build the nation, and steadfast confidence in the Communist Party of Vietnam ensured the resounding success of elections to the 16th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. He also thanked the Party Central Committee for its trust in nominating him, and the NA for entrusting him with the role.
He paid tribute to late President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Party and the nation, as well as to generations of predecessors, revolutionary fighters, Party members and millions of fallen heroes who sacrificed for national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, for socialism and noble international obligations. He also acknowledged the enduring contributions of the people across generations whose dedication, labour and creativity have underpinned the country’s achievements.
To Lam described his dual role as Party General Secretary and State President as both a great honour and a sacred responsibility, reflecting the trust and expectations of the Party, the people and the armed forces.
He reaffirmed his commitment, together with the entire Party, people and military, particularly the Party Central Committee, to building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic and prosperous Vietnam. Key priorities, he said, include maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, promoting rapid and sustainable development, improving living standards so that people fully benefit from development gains, and enhancing Vietnam’s contributions to regional and global peace, stability and progress.
He underscored the need to build a socialist rule-of-law state, develop an independent, self-reliant and resilient economy, and strengthen an all-people, comprehensive and modern national defence and security posture. He also called for a streamlined, effective and efficient political system, alongside a developed, cohesive, culturally rich and humane society.

(Latest Update April 8, 2026)