Hanoi: Vietnam’s National Assembly has officially confirmed the appointments of two new deputy prime ministers and three ministers, signaling a significant reshuffle in the government ahead of the country’s upcoming Communist Party congress in January. The appointments were reported by state media and mark an important step in shaping the nation’s leadership for the next five years.

Pham Thi Thanh Tra, formerly Minister of Home Affairs, and Ho Quoc Dung, the former Communist Party Chief of Gia Lai province, have been appointed as the new deputy prime ministers. These additions increase the total number of deputy prime ministers in the Vietnamese government to nine. Alongside them, three ministerial posts have been filled, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Home Affairs, although the names of the appointed individuals were not publicly disclosed.

The National Assembly began its final session of the year on Monday, which is scheduled to conclude on December 11. This session is particularly significant as it precedes Vietnam’s five-yearly Communist Party congress, a major political event where the country’s key strategies and policies for the next five years are set, and a new leadership team is expected to be selected.

Vietnam’s political landscape is closely tied to the Communist Party, which dominates government decisions and policymaking. Leadership reshuffles, especially at the deputy prime minister and ministerial levels, often indicate preparations for the party congress, signaling potential shifts in priorities and governance strategies. Recent years have seen the Vietnamese government focus on economic growth, modernization, and international diplomacy, and these appointments are expected to strengthen the government’s ability to deliver on these agendas.

Pham Thi Thanh Tra has been recognized for her administrative experience in public governance, while Ho Quoc Dung has played a prominent role in party activities at the provincial level, particularly in Gia Lai, a central highlands province. Their appointments reflect a blend of bureaucratic expertise and party leadership experience, which analysts say is crucial for managing Vietnam’s growing economic and social challenges.

With the party congress approaching, these new appointments are seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate leadership, ensure policy continuity, and prepare for the next phase of Vietnam’s development. The coming months are expected to be closely watched by both domestic and international observers as the country charts its path for the next five years.