Vietnams President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has actually announced he is stepping down, triggering a possible power shift amongst the communist-ruled nations leaders.The relocation had been widely rumoured and follows the departure of two deputy prime ministers who served under him.Mr Phuc, a former prime minister, had held the post of president since 2021.

The news that he is stopping comes during an anti-corruption drive led by hard-liners.

Numerous Communist Party members are being investigated.The presidents resignation requires approval from the National Assembly, which will hold an amazing vote on Wednesday that is expected to be a formality.Confirmation from Vietnams main state media that the president was resigning followed weeks of speculation that he would leave his post.A party statement applauded Mr Phucs leadership however stated he was politically responsible for violations and the misbehavior of many officials under him.As well as the 2 deputy prime ministers who resigned earlier this month, 2 ministers and other officials are dealing with criminal charges.

As he was well aware of his duties to the Party and the people, Phuc filed a demand to resign from his positions and retire, the declaration said.Mr Phuc, 69, functioned as prime minister from 2016 until April 2021, when he was chosen president - one of the 4 pillars at the top of Vietnamese politics.The Communist Partys basic secretary is the most effective of the 4 posts, although the president likewise holds significant authority.

The other 2 are the prime minister and the chairman of the National Assembly.Nguyen Phu Trong, the current celebration basic secretary and the nations most powerful political leader, is leading the anti-corruption drive.The celebration has actually reported that in 2022 alone, 539 celebration members were prosecuted or disciplined for corruption and purposeful misdeeds , consisting of ministers, top authorities and diplomats.Police also investigated 453 corruption cases, a 50% increase from the previous year in the nation, which has among Asias fastest growing economies.Reports state Mr Trong may now combine his post with Mr Phucs.

This move would be short-lived, it is suggested, and would imply power is less divided amongst the countrys leaders - but could also result in an increase in authoritarianism.In a second capacity situation being discussed, another member of the partys leading decision-making body, the Politburo, might be promoted to replace Mr Phuc as president.Source: BBC-Agencies