To Lam consolidating hard, fast and forceful rule in Vietnam

August 3, 2025, marks one year since To Lam became General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee, widely considered the most powerful position in the country. His rise followed an unprecedented upheaval entailing the removal of two of the “four pillars” of leadership, namely President Vo Van Thuong and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue and the death