Vietnam National Assembly Chairman Steps Down Amidst Wrongdoing Allegations

On April 26, 2024, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam convened at its headquarters to discuss the resignation of National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

Complete Resignation

The committee says Mr. Hue is a key figure within the Party and State apparatus, who has risen through the ranks from grassroots beginnings to hold numerous top leadership positions within the party, the state and government hierarchy.

However, an evaluation by the Central Inspection Committee and relevant agencies revealed that Mr. Hue had violated both Party rules and state laws.

His breaches of regulations governing the conduct of Party members and their duty to uphold ethical standards have significantly damaged the reputation of the Party and the State, the committee says.

These violations, particularly considering his positions as a member of the Politburo, the Secretariat, and the Central Committee, have caused widespread negative public sentiment.

Recognizing his responsibility to the Party, the State, and the people, Mr. Hue has offered his resignation and requested to retire.

In line with existing Party and State procedures and in consideration of Mr. Hue’s stated intentions, the Central Committee has agreed to his request to step down from his roles as a member of the Politburo, the 13th Central Committee, and Chairman of the 15th National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the term 2021-2026.

Expulsion from the Party

The Committee has also taken disciplinary action against Le Viet Chu, a former member of the 12th Central Committee and former Secretary of the Quang Ngai Provincial Party Committee.

Mr. Chu's ideological, ethical, and lifestyle lapses, along with his severe violations of Party and State laws, have significantly damaged the reputation of the Party organization and local government.

These violations include breaches of regulations for Party members, failure to act as a moral exemplar, and accepting bribes. The resulting consequences are severe and have caused widespread negative public opinion.

Given the seriousness, nature, scope, impact, and causes of the violations, and in accordance with Party rules on disciplining Party organizations and members for violations, the Central Committee has decided to expel Mr. Chu from the Party.

The Committee has also instructed the Politburo to supervise the necessary procedural implementations by relevant agencies, in accordance with established procedures.