Vietnam’s president has been confirmed as the new head of the Communist Party, the most powerful position in the country.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Vietnamese President To Lam was confirmed as the new general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam on Saturday, following the death of his predecessor on July 19.

Lam’s appointment makes him the most influential figure in Vietnam’s political hierarchy. It remains uncertain whether he will continue to serve as president in addition to his new role.

Nguyen Phu Trong, who previously held the position, significantly shaped Vietnamese politics since his election as party chief in 2011, securing a third term in 2021. Known for his anti-corruption stance, Trong viewed corruption as a major threat to the party’s integrity.

Before becoming president in May, To Lam spent over 40 years in the Ministry of Public Security, including serving as its minister from 2016. As the top security official, Lam played a key role in Trong’s extensive anti-corruption campaign. He succeeded the previous president, who resigned amid the ongoing anti-corruption efforts.