Vietnam's President Announces Resignation

Vietnamese President Phu Van Thuong has resigned after nearly a year in office, according to a statement released today, Wednesday, by the Communist Party. The resignation comes amid an intense anti-corruption campaign targeting the highest levels of the party. The Vietnam News Agency reported that Thuong was guilty of "violations and shortcomings," and the party's Central Committee accepted his resignation. The agency added that Thoung violated unspecified "regulations" and "failed to act as a model as the head of state." It revealed that "Comrade Phu Van Thuong's violations and shortcomings have negatively impacted public opinion, tarnishing the reputation of the party and the state and his own reputation." It continued that "in recognition of his responsibility towards the party, the state, and the people, he submitted his resignation from his positions." The resignation of the 53-year-old official comes as Vietnam experiences significant political turmoil that also forced his predecessor to step down during an anti-corruption campaign that led to the dismissal of many ministers and the prosecution of major businessmen for "fraud."