Parliament confirms new president
Nguyen Minh Triet, a reformer, has succeeded Tran Duc Luong, who stepped down. The new premier will be officially appointed shortly. The state leadership's changes were decided months ago.
Ho Chi Minh City (AsiaNews/Agencies) - A Vietnamese politician with a reputation for fighting corruption has become the country's new president.
Nguyen Minh Triet, 63, is the Communist Party chief in the southern commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr Triet takes over from Tran Duc Luong, 69, who retired after serving two five-year terms as president of the Southeast Asian country of 83 million people.
The job is the third most important in the Vietnamese system after Communist Party general secretary and prime minister.
Later in the day, the assembly is expected to confirm a new prime minister to replace Phan Van Khai, 72, who has also retired.
As expected, the new president has nominated Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tran Dung, 56, who has been groomed for the premiership for eight years.
The leadership changes and other cabinet positions were decided at April's five-yearly party National Congress but are being formalised by parliament this week.
.png)
