Vietnam's prime minister steps down after 10 years in office

Vietnam's prime minister stepped down Wednesday after 10 years in office, leaving behind a mixed legacy of promoting failed state enterprises but at the same time attracting foreign investment and daring to challenge China.

In a formal vote, 430 of 462 members of the rubber-stamp National Assembly voted to remove Nguyen Tan Dung, three months before the end of his term, the government said on its website, ABC reported.

Dung's departure was a mere formality after he lost a leadership battle during the ruling Communist Party's congress in January. Dung lost to Nguyen Phu Trong, who was re-elected party general secretary for a second five-year term.

The National Assembly is scheduled to appoint Dung's deputy, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, as prime minister on Thursday. 

In Vietnam, the Communist Party general secretary, the prime minister and the president form the triumvirate of power.

Dung was easily the most high-profile prime minister Vietnam ever had. He was charismatic, a good orator and mixed easily with foreign leaders, which raised the country's profile. 

Dung took office in 2006, during the global financial crises, followed by a global economic slowdown that severely impacted Vietnam, which at the time — and even today — largely depends on foreign investment and trade for economic growth. 

Source : MENA