Vietnam's next leadership taking shape as January congress nears

Senior officials of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party concluded a two-day plenum in Hanoi on Tuesday, finalising decisions on candidates for the country's next top leadership, party chief To Lam said, but no names were released.



Lam is viewed as the leading contender to keep the country's most powerful post, but in line with standard practices in the secretive country, announcements are expected only at the five-yearly party congress scheduled for January 19-25.



Lam said delegates "voted with a high level of support" for nominees to key positions, according to his closing speech published on the party's website.



He also appeared to thank delegates for nominating him to a leadership position ahead of the congress in a somewhat ambiguous statement.



Lam added that officials agreed to continue public administration reforms and accelerate infrastructure expansion — policies he championed during his initial, brief term as party chief.



The announcement, alongside speculation about Lam's confirmation, propelled Vietnam's stock market close to a new high on Tuesday morning, as investors cheered political stability.