The 11th president of Vietnam, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, concluded his tenure in early 2023 following a parliamentary vote that relieved him of his duties. A career official within the Communist Party of Vietnam, his political trajectory spanned from local administration in Quảng Nam Province to the highest tiers of national governance, including a five-year term as prime minister.
Early Development and Education
Born in Quế Sơn in 1954, Phúc attended primary schooling in his home province before moving north in 1967. He completed general education in 1972 and served as Secretary of the High School Youth Union. He subsequently enrolled at the National Economics University in Hanoi, earning a Bachelor of Economics by 1978. His academic background also includes studies at the Vietnam National Administrative Academy and specialized training in economic management at the National University of Singapore during the 1990s.
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Phúc began his professional life in 1978 working within the Quảng Nam-Đà Nẵng economic sector. Over the next fifteen years, he rose through the ranks of the local People's Committee, eventually serving as chief of office. By the mid-1990s, he transitioned to provincial leadership, acting as director of the Department of Planning and Investment for Quảng Nam-Đà Nẵng. He later served as chairman of the People's Committee of Quảng Nam Province between 2001 and 2004.
National Political Rise
His entry into central government began in 2006 with his appointment as deputy chief inspector of the government. By 2007, he was named Minister-Chairman of the Government Office. He joined the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2011, the same year he began a five-year tenure as Deputy Prime Minister. In 2016, the National Assembly selected him to serve as the country's prime minister, a role he maintained until 2021.
Presidency and Departure
In April 2021, Phúc was inaugurated as the 11th president of Vietnam. His administration navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and sought to expand diplomatic ties, notably with South Korea. In January 2023, following an approval from the Central Committee of the Communist Party, the National Assembly voted to dismiss him. This departure occurred amidst broader government inquiries regarding corruption scandals involving his subordinates.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Quế Sơn, Vietnam
- Prime Minister of Vietnam: 2016–2021
- President of Vietnam: 2021–2023
- Political Party: Communist Party of Vietnam
- Education: National Economics University, National University of Singapore
- Award: Order of José Martí
Questions readers ask
Why did Nguyễn Xuân Phúc leave the presidency in 2023?
He resigned and was subsequently dismissed by the National Assembly following corruption scandals involving his subordinates.
What major government positions did he hold?
He served as Minister-Chairman of the Government Office, Deputy Prime Minister, Prime Minister, and President.
Achievements
- member of the National Assembly of Vietnam (2002–2007)
- Prime Minister of Vietnam (2016–2021)
- member of the National Assembly of Vietnam (2011–2016)
- member of the National Assembly of Vietnam (from 2016)
- Order of José Martí
- Educated at National Economics University and National University of Singapore
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