By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Tuesday announced his exit from office as the country intensifies campaign against graft that has seen top government officials relieved of their duties.
His resignation on Tuesday came amidst rumours that he may be sacked following the renewed anti-corruption onslaught.
Phuc has “submitted his resignation from his assigned positions, quit his job, and retired”, the state news agency VNA reported.
Earlier in the month, two deputy prime ministers were sacked in an anti-corruption purge which has also led to the arrest of dozens of government officials.
Phuc’s resignation is a highly unusual move in communist Vietnam, where political changes are normally carefully orchestrated to engender stability.
Phuc was Prime Minister between 2016 and 2021, before assuming his role as President.
Phuc “took political responsibility as a leader when several officials, including two deputy prime ministers and three ministers, committed violations and shortcomings, causing very serious consequences”, VNA said.
