Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam's longest-serving party chief, passes away at 80 July 19, 2024 at 02:13AM

Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam's Communist Party chief for 13 years, died at 80. President To Lam assumed his duties. Soviet-educated Trong led since 2011, securing a third term in 2021. Initiated a 2017 anti-corruption campaign, appearing fragile recently. Party must decide Lam's role until 2026 Congress or choose a new candidate.