President Lam to temporarily preside over Party, State tasks while Party chief focuses on health

President To Lam has been temporarily assigned to preside over the tasks of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Party Secretariat, while priority is given to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s health and treatment.

The assignments are within the authority and responsibilities stipulated by the Politburo, the country's most powerful decision-making body.

According to an official announcement issued on Thursday, under the care of the Expert Council for Health Care of Central Officials, Party chief Trong has been leading the state management while also focusing on his health.

The Politburo, the Party Secretariat and high-level leaders have directed professional units and mobilized leading medical professors, physicians and medical experts to prioritize intensive care for the Party leader.

The Politburo called for the Party and the people to continue their trust in the leadership of the Party and the government, while strengthening solidarity, unity and building on the country’s achievements.

They should continue to overcome challenges and successfully complete the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress, maintaining political stability, protecting the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as national security, social safety and order, thereby improving socio-economic development and people’s quality of life.

On Thursday, the Politburo also issued a decision to award the Gold Star Order to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

The order is the highest decoration of Vietnam, given to individuals to have made exceptional contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

The decoration has been officially approved by President Lam.