President of Vietnam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Flag of Vietnam
Seal of the State President
Incumbent Tô Lâm since 7 April 2026
Abbreviation	CTN
Member of	Central Committee of the Communist Party Central Police Party Committee Central Military Commission National Assembly Council for National Defense and Security
Residence	Presidential Palace (ceremonial) Tonkin Palace (office)
Nominator	Standing Committee of the National Assembly
Appointer	National Assembly
Term length	Five years, no term limits
Constituting instrument	Constitution of Vietnam (2014)
Precursor	President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (1976) Chairman of the Consultative Council of the Republic of South Vietnam (1976) Chairman of the Council of State of the S.R. Vietnam (1992)
Formation	January 1946; 80 years ago (1946-01)
Deputy	Vice President
Salary	30,420,000₫ monthly

The President of Vietnam is a very important leader in Vietnam. This person is like the main representative of the country. They are chosen by the National Assembly of Vietnam, which is Vietnam's main law-making group. The President helps make sure the government runs smoothly. They also protect Vietnam's independence and its borders. The President represents Vietnam to other countries around the world. This role is usually the second most important in Vietnam's government.

What is the President of Vietnam?

The President of Vietnam is the country's head of state. This means they are the official face of Vietnam. They work to keep the government organized and stable. The President also makes sure Vietnam's independence and land are safe.

How the President is Chosen

To become President, a person must first be a member of the National Assembly. Important groups within the country's main political party suggest who should be candidates. These candidates are then presented to the National Assembly. All members of the National Assembly then vote to choose the new President.

What the President Does

The President has many important jobs. They choose other key leaders, like the Vice President and the Prime Minister. These choices need to be approved by the National Assembly. The President is also the top leader of Vietnam's military. This means they are in charge of the country's armed forces. They also lead a special group that plans for national defense and safety. The President helps guide important decisions about justice in Vietnam.

Leading the Country

The President represents Vietnam both inside the country and to the rest of the world. They make sure all parts of the government work well together. This helps keep the country strong and secure.

Working with Other Leaders

The President works closely with the Prime Minister and other government officials. They can suggest new laws or changes to existing ones. The President also appoints many important people in the government and justice system.

Protecting Vietnam

As the commander-in-chief, the President leads the military. They also chair the Council for National Defense and Security. This group makes big decisions about protecting Vietnam. The President can declare war or a state of emergency if needed.

The President's role has changed a bit over time. Some presidents, like the first one, Hồ Chí Minh, held many powerful positions at once. This made them very influential. Other presidents had more of a symbolic role. Today, the President is usually one of the top two most important leaders in the country. Several leaders have held both the top party position and the presidency at the same time. These include Hồ Chí Minh, Trường Chinh, Nguyễn Phú Trọng, and Tô Lâm.

Tô Lâm is the current President of Vietnam. He started his role on April 7, 2026, after Lương Cường.

A Look at History

How the Role Changed Over Time

The first President of Vietnam was Hồ Chí Minh. He was chosen in 1946. At first, the President had many powers, similar to leaders in some other countries. Over time, the rules about the President's job changed. In 1959, the President's powers became a bit less. Another leader, the General Secretary, took on more of the day-to-day running of the country.

In 1980, the title of President was even replaced for a while. It became the 'Chairman of the Council of State'. This group made decisions together. Later, the role of President came back. Its importance has varied, but it always remains a key position in Vietnam's leadership.

How Long Does a President Serve?

A President is chosen for a five-year term. They continue to serve until a new President is officially in office. A person can be President for a maximum of three terms. If a President cannot do their job, the Vice President steps in temporarily. They act as President until a new President is chosen. For example, Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân was acting President twice. Đặng Thị Ngọc Thịnh was the first woman to be acting President in 2018.

The President's Promise

When a President starts their job, they make an important promise. They take an oath before the National Assembly. This oath shows their dedication to Vietnam, its people, and the country's laws.

In my capacity as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I swear complete allegiance to the country, people, and constitution; to fulfill the tasks assigned by the State, and people.

Who Has Been President?

Further information: List of presidents of Socialist Vietnam

Presidents Over the Years

This timeline shows the different people who have served as President of Vietnam.

Longest-Serving Presidents

This table shows how long each President has served.

Images for kids

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  This diagram shows how the President's role fits into Vietnam's government structure.

See also

In Spanish: Presidente de Vietnam para niños

• List of presidents of Socialist Vietnam
• List of heads of state of Vietnam
• List of spouses of Vietnamese presidents
• Vice President of Vietnam
• Prime Minister of Vietnam
• Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam
• Council for National Defense and Security (Vietnam)
• General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam
• List of central officeholders in the Communist Party of Vietnam
• Air transports of heads of state and government