Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (born 20 July 1954) is a Vietnamese politician who has held several of the country’s top government posts. He served as Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 2016 to 2021, and was elected as the country's 10th President of Vietnam in 2021; he left the presidency in January 2023.
Political career
Nguyễn Xuân Phúc rose through local and central government ranks before entering national leadership. He worked in the administration of Quảng Nam–Đà Nẵng early in his career and later held senior positions within the central government. From August 2011 until April 2016 he was a deputy prime minister. In April 2016 he was nominated for the prime ministership following the retirement of his predecessor Nguyễn Tấn Dũng and was subsequently confirmed by the National Assembly.
Presidency and later developments
After completing a five-year term as prime minister, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc was elected president in 2021. His time as head of state ended in January 2023 when he resigned; his departure occurred in the context of high-profile anti-corruption actions and inquiries that affected several officials and agencies. The National Assembly accepted his resignation.
Party membership and background
He joined the Communist Party of Vietnam on 12 November 1983. Over decades in public service he held a mix of provincial and national roles, accumulating administrative and executive experience that preceded his appointments as deputy prime minister, prime minister, and president.
Selected offices held
- Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam (August 2011 – April 2016)
- Prime Minister of Vietnam (2016 – 2021)
- President of Vietnam (2021 – January 2023)