HANOI — Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has resigned, state media mentioned Tuesday, after days of rumors he was about to be sacked amid a significant anti-corruption drive that has seen a number of ministers fired.
Phuc has “submitted his resignation from his assigned positions, quit his job, and retired,” state news company VNA mentioned.
Phuc’s sudden departure is a extremely uncommon transfer in communist Vietnam, the place political modifications are usually fastidiously orchestrated with an emphasis on cautious stability.
His resignation follows the dismissal of two deputy prime ministers this month in an anti-corruption purge that has led to the arrest of dozens of officers.
He was prime minister between 2016 and 2021, earlier than assuming his position as president.
Phuc “took political responsibility as leader when several officials, including two deputy prime ministers and three ministers committed violations and shortcomings, causing very serious consequences,” VNA mentioned. — Agence France-Presse
