Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has resigned as president because he was responsible for the irregularities and wrongdoing of many of his officials.
Nguyen Xuan Phuc, 68, is a former prime minister who has held the presidency for less than two years. It is unclear who will replace him.
The Vietnamese News Agency quoted the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam as saying on Tuesday (January 17): "He (Nguyen Xuan Phuc) is fully aware of his responsibility before the party and the people. He has applied to resign from his assigned position, resigned and retired. ”
Vietnam's parliament in early January removed two deputy prime ministers, Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Vin, from their posts over cases involving collusion during the pandemic. At the time, there was speculation that Nguyen Xuan Phuc might resign. Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Dong worked under Nguyen Xuan Phuc when he led his government.
Nguyen Xuan Phuc's resignation must be approved by the National Assembly to take effect. Reuters reported on Monday that Vietnam's parliament will convene a special session on Wednesday.