Vietnam's Bold Leader: To Lam's Path to Power and Reform

Vietnam is at a crossroads, with To Lam, a figure known for his bold moves, aiming to extend his leadership. His journey to the top has been swift, marked by significant reforms and a strong leadership style. The Communist Party, which has been in charge for a long time, is set to make a decision soon, and Lam is the front-runner. His leadership style is different from the usual collective decision-making in Vietnam, leaning more towards a centralized approach, similar to China. In a short time, Lam has made big changes, both in administration and the economy. Some people praise these changes, comparing them to other major reforms around the world. However, not everyone is happy. The reforms have caused some discontent, and it's not clear if Lam will push for more changes or slow down.Lam's rise to power is impressive. He started as a police officer's son, studied security, and worked his way up to become a high-ranking official. He played a key role in a major anti-corruption campaign, which led to the removal of many officials. After his predecessor died, Lam took over, holding two top roles for a while before stepping down from one. Despite stepping down, Lam has continued to act as the de facto head of state, representing Vietnam in international meetings. Some officials wonder if he will push to formally merge the two top roles, but recent events suggest he might not. His economic reforms have been a mix of promoting the private sector and keeping the state involved, which has led to both praise and criticism. Lam's leadership style is hands-on, and he has been involved in various operations, including anti-smuggling campaigns. However, some of his actions, like the extraordinary rendition of a Vietnamese national from Germany, have been controversial. Despite this, his love for classical music and his role in the development of opera houses in Hanoi show a different side to him.