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Myint Swe
မြင့်ဆွေ
Myint Swe in 2020.jpg
Myint Swe in 2020
Acting President of Myanmar
In office
1 February 2021 – 22 July 2024
Vice President Henry Van Thio
Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing
Preceded by Win Myint
Succeeded by Min Aung Hlaing (acting)
In office
21 March 2018 – 30 March 2018
Vice President Henry Van Thio
State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi
Preceded by Htin Kyaw
Succeeded by Win Myint
3rd First Vice President of Myanmar
In office
30 March 2016 – 7 August 2025
Serving with Henry Van Thio
(2016–2024)
President Htin Kyaw
Himself (acting)
Win Myint
Himself (acting)
Min Aung Hlaing (acting)
Preceded by Sai Mauk Kham
1st Chief Minister of Yangon Region
In office
30 March 2011 – 30 March 2016
Preceded by Office established
Succeeded by Phyo Min Thein
Personal details
Born (1951-05-24)24 May 1951
Mandalay, Union of Burma (now Myanmar)
Died 7 August 2025(2025-08-07) (aged 74)
Naypidaw, Myanmar
Political party Union Solidarity and Development (USDP)
Spouse Khin Thet Htay
Children 2
Education Defence Services Academy
Military service
Allegiance  Myanmar
Branch/service  Myanmar Army
Years of service 1973–2010
Rank 15. Myanmar Army LG.svg Lieutenant General

Myint Swe (born May 24, 1951 – passed away on August 7, 2025) was an important leader in Myanmar. He was a politician and a high-ranking officer in the army. He served as the Vice President of Myanmar and also as the Acting President of Myanmar at different times. He was a member of the Union Solidarity and Development Party and belonged to the Mon ethnic group.

In February 2021, Myint Swe became the Acting President during a time of significant change in the government. He announced a state of emergency. He then transferred leadership to Min Aung Hlaing. Myint Swe's work often involved supporting the military's role in the country's leadership. After this period, he mostly worked behind the scenes, helping to approve important decisions.

His Time in the Military

Myint Swe began his military career after graduating from the Defence Services Academy in 1973. He steadily rose through the ranks. By 1997, he was a brigadier general leading an infantry division.

He held several important positions, including Commander of the Yangon Command. In 2005, he became the first person from the Mon ethnic group to reach the high rank of Lieutenant General.

During his time leading the Yangon Command, he was involved in several significant events. These included managing public demonstrations and responding to the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

His Political Journey

Leading Yangon Region

After the 2010 general election, President Thein Sein chose Myint Swe to be the Chief Minister of the Yangon Region. This was a very important role, as Yangon is a major city in Myanmar.

He was considered for the role of Vice President in 2012. However, he could not take the position at that time. This was because of a rule in the country's constitution related to family members' citizenship.

Becoming Vice President

In March 2016, Myint Swe was chosen by members of parliament to become one of the Vice Presidents of the country. He received many votes and officially became the First Vice President in President Htin Kyaw's government. He took his oath of office on March 30, 2016.

Serving as Acting President

Myint Swe served as Acting President twice. The first time was in March 2018, after President Htin Kyaw resigned. Myint Swe stepped in while the country's assembly chose a new president.

He became Acting President again on February 1, 2021. At this time, he announced a state of emergency. He then transferred leadership to Min Aung Hlaing. This was a period of significant change in Myanmar's government.

During this time, Myint Swe's role was to formally approve and extend emergency powers. These extensions were sometimes debated, as there were different views on whether they followed the country's rules. Myint Swe stated that these extensions were needed due to unusual circumstances.

In late 2023, Myint Swe spoke about the challenges facing the country. He warned about the risk of the nation becoming divided during ongoing conflicts.

In July 2024, it was reported that Myint Swe was experiencing health issues. He had been receiving medical care since early 2024. On July 22, 2024, he took medical leave, and Min Aung Hlaing took over his duties as acting president.

Personal Life and Passing

Myint Swe was from the Mon ethnic group. He was married to Khin Thet Htay and they had two children.

Myint Swe passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 74. He had been ill for some time with neurological disorders. He passed away at a military hospital in Naypyitaw. The government announced that he would receive a state funeral. They also declared five days of national mourning, from August 7 to August 11, 2025.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Myint Swe para niños

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