Vietnam’s Ruling Party Signals Lam Closer to Most Powerful Roles

Vietnam’s prime minister Pham Minh ChinhPhotographer: Samsul Said/Bloomberg

Vietnam’s Communist Party chose a new top decision-making body with some high-profile names missing, placing chief To Lam one step closer to strengthening his grip on power.

Notably absent from the 200-member Central Committee list announced Thursday evening was the current prime minister and president, an indication that they will step down.