Vietnam Led by Woman After President Resigns

Vietnam – Vice President of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan on Thursday officially took over as acting president, a day after President Vo Van Thuong resigned from his position.

The decision was made at an extraordinary session of the National Assembly of Vietnam (NA).

Vi Thi Anh Xuan is the first woman president to lead Vietnam, although this is not her first time. She previously held the same position during the 2021-2026 term as an acting president.

In January 2023, Xuan also held the position for over a month after Nguyen Xuan Phuc vacated the office.

A statement said she would hold the position in an acting capacity until the National Assembly elects a full successor to take over the country's leadership.

President Vo Van Thuong on Wednesday announced his resignation. Regarding his departure reasons, the ruling Communist Party stated: "Violations and weaknesses have negatively impacted public perception and the party's and country's reputation,"

Although the violations were not detailed, analysts say the party's language clarifies his involvement in an anti-corruption campaign.

Born in 1970, Vo was elected vice president at the working session of the National Assembly of Vietnam in April 2021.

She holds a master's degree in public management. She became the youngest vice president elected and inaugurated by the National Assembly in April 2021, at 51.

During her three-year tenure, Xuan has traveled to other countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, and Kazakhstan, and attended events such as the Global Summit of Women in 2021 and 2023.