Vice President of Vietnam

Vice President of Vietnam. The Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the second-highest constitutional office in the state, ranking directly below the President of Vietnam. The position was established with the unification of North Vietnam and South Vietnam in 1976 under the current state structure. The Vice President assists the President in state duties and may act on the President's behalf when authorized.

History

The office was formally created by the Constitution of Vietnam adopted in 1980, following the Fall of Saigon and the reunification of the country. Its establishment marked a consolidation of the executive leadership model within the Communist Party of Vietnam's political system. Prior to this, the government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) did not have an equivalent vice-presidential role, with executive functions largely vested in the collective leadership of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam and positions like Chairman of the Council of Ministers. The role has been held by several prominent figures in the party, including revolutionary veterans like Nguyễn Lương Bằng and later officials such as Trương Mỹ Hoa.

Election and term

The Vice President is elected by the National Assembly of Vietnam from among its deputies, following a nomination proposal made by the President of Vietnam. This election occurs during the first session of a new Assembly term, concurrent with the election of the President, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court of Vietnam. The term of office is five years, corresponding with the term of the National Assembly, and an individual may not serve more than two consecutive terms. The process is overseen by the National Assembly Standing Committee and requires a simple majority vote from attending delegates.

Powers and duties

Constitutional powers are largely exercised in conjunction with or on delegation from the President. Specific duties include assisting the President in performing duties and exercising the President's authority when the President is absent. The Vice President is, by right, a member of the key advisory body, the Council for National Defense and Security. The officeholder may be tasked by the President with specific domestic or diplomatic missions, such as attending state funerals or representing Vietnam at international summits like the ASEAN Summit. The Vice President also performs ceremonial functions, such as presenting state awards like the Gold Star Order and receiving credentials from foreign ambassadors.

List of vice presidents

A chronological list of individuals who have held the office since its inception includes: * Nguyễn Lương Bằng (1976–1979) * Nguyễn Hữu Thọ (1976–1992) – Also served as Acting President of Vietnam. * Chu Huy Mân (1981–1986) * Xuân Thủy (1981–1982) * Lê Thanh Nghị (1982–1986) * Huỳnh Tấn Phát (1982–1989) * Nguyễn Quyết (1987–1992) * Đàm Quang Trung (1987–1992) * Lê Quang Đạo (1992–1997) * Nguyễn Thị Bình (1992–2002) – First female Vice President. * Trương Mỹ Hoa (2002–2007) * Nguyễn Thị Doan (2007–2016) * Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh (2016–2021) – Served as Acting President of Vietnam. * Võ Thị Ánh Xuân (2021–present) – Incumbent.

See also

* Politics of Vietnam * Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam * Fatherland Front * List of heads of state of Vietnam * Government of Vietnam

Category:Vice presidents of Vietnam Category:Government of Vietnam Category:National Assembly of Vietnam