A lifetime of dedication: Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s legacy of service and integrity

Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng talked with ethnic minority people at Bản Khăm I hamlet, Trung Lý commune, Mường Lát district in Thanh Hóa Province in 2011. —  VNA/VNS Photo Photo

HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng – a dedicated communist soldier, exceptional leader and person of great intellect, courage and compassion – passed away on July 19, 2024.

At 80 years old, with nearly 57 years of Party membership, 14 years as General Secretary, more than two years as President and over five years as National Assembly Chairman, Nguyễn Phú Trọng consistently devoted himself to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation. Alongside the Central Committee and the Government, he led the entire Party, the people, and the armed forces to achieve many significant and historic accomplishments.

A lifetime of struggle and sacrifice for the revolutionary cause

Nguyễn Phú Trọng was born on April 14, 1944, in Đông Hội Commune, Đông Anh District, Hà Nội. He joined the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) on December 19, 1967, and became an official member a year later. Since then, Nguyễn Phú Trọng has been highly conscious of self-improvement and training with a steadfast and beautiful orientation, often quoting lines from poems and songs that he cherished: “If you are a flower, be a sunflower; if you are a bird, be a white dove; if you are a stone, be a diamond; if you are a person, be a communist” and “Even with a second or a minute left, I will continue to fight without giving up.”

For 57 years, Nguyễn Phú Trọng stood firm in the ranks of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, remaining absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the People. In all circumstances, he demonstrated the intellect and bravery of a resilient communist, steadfast in Marxism-Leninism and Hồ Chí Minh’s ideology, aiming for national independence and socialism. He maintained, promoted, and spread the pure revolutionary ethics, the pioneering, exemplary nature, and continuously studied, trained and closely connected with the grassroots and the people.

Significant contributions across various important positions

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Nguyễn Phú Trọng was re-elected for his third term in 2021. — VNA/VNS Photo

Nguyễn Phú Trọng held many important positions entrusted by the Party, the State, and the People, including member of the Party Central Committee (from the 7th to the 13th tenure), member of the Politburo (from the 8th to the 13th tenure), General Secretary (from the 11th to the 13th tenure), President (from October 2018 to April 2021), Chairman of the National Assembly (the 11th and 12th tenures), Editor-in-Chief of the Communist Review, Secretary of the Hà Nội Party Committee, and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council. He made significant and crucial contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, especially in the period of renewal, building, and defending the Fatherland.

Over the last three terms, General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng made substantial contributions to national development, especially during the period of accelerating industrialisation, modernisation, international integration, and implementing the strategy of national defence in the new situation.

Internationally, Trọng’s anti-corruption efforts have garnered commendation and support. His initiatives have enhanced Việt Nam’s global standing, showcasing the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and fostering a conducive environment for foreign investment. The transparency and predictability engendered by his policies have made Việt Nam an attractive destination for international businesses, further bolstering the nation’s economic growth.

Despite his high positions, General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng remained humble, simple, and sincere. In his speech when receiving the 55-year Party membership badge, he modestly stated: “Everything I have done is insignificant compared to the education and training of the Party; the guidance of the previous Party members; the cooperation and support of comrades and colleagues; and the encouragement and support of the people, particularly from the agencies where I studied, worked, and served.”

General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng met wiith workers of the Núi Béo Coal Joint Stock Company in 2013. — VNA/VNS Photo

An outstanding theorist and scientist of the party

As General Secretary, Nguyễn Phú Trọng demonstrated his role as a core leader, together with the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat, to build unity, consensus in will and action within the Party, and achieve high unanimity within the political system. He led the entire Party, the people, and the armed forces to overcome difficulties and challenges, achieving many important accomplishments across various fields, enhancing the country’s potential, position, and international prestige.

Not only a talented leader, Nguyễn Phú Trọng was also an outstanding theorist and scientist. As the theoretical flag of the Party, he made significant theoretical contributions, including the research work “Some Theoretical and Practical Issues on Socialism and the Path to Socialism in Việt Nam.” Through rigorous arguments, deep analysis, and practical insights, he summarised the development history of contemporary world and Việt Nam’s revolution, scientifically affirming that the only correct path for the country’s development is socialism.

Nguyễn Phú Trọng emphasised that the Vietnamese people had undergone a long, arduous, and sacrificial revolutionary struggle against colonial and imperial domination to protect national independence and sacred sovereignty for the freedom and happiness of the people. National independence associated with socialism is the fundamental, consistent policy of the Party, the principle of the Vietnamese revolution’s success, and a key point in Hồ Chí Minh’s ideological legacy. Advancing to socialism is an objective requirement, the inevitable path to achieving freedom, prosperity, and happiness for the Vietnamese people.

Beyond this major theoretical work, General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng made many contributions to specialised theoretical fields. These include the books: “Vietnamese Culture Imbued with National Identity” (June 2024); “Resolutely, persistently fighting corruption and negative phenomena to contribute to building more transparent and stronger Party and State” (February 2023); “Several issues about military policy, national defence strategy in the cause of building and defending the socialist Việt Nam Fatherland in the new period”; “Promoting the tradition of great national unity, building a richer, stronger, more civilised, and happier country” (November 2023); “Building and developing a comprehensive, modern Vietnamese foreign policy and diplomacy, imbued with the identity of “Vietnamese bamboo” (November 2023).

These books by the General Secretary received special attention and were highly appreciated by scholars, researchers, and the people, not only for their ideological value and content but also because of the author himself – a person of intellect and character who consistently upheld the goals and ideals chosen by the Party, President Hồ Chí Minh, and the people.

Valuable lessons in fighting corruption and negative phenomena

General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng always deeply remembered Hồ Chí Minh’s words: “A nation, a party, and each individual, no matter how great and attractive they were yesterday, may not be loved and praised today and tomorrow if their hearts are not pure and if they fall into individualism.”

He understood that the Party must know how to correct itself and rely on the people to reform, and reform must start from the top. Thus, he directly took on the role of Commander-in-Chief (Head of the Steering Committee) of the “war” against corruption with an uncompromising spirit, stating that anyone who hesitates or refuses to act should step aside. This “war” created strong trust among the people.

The Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena convened its 24th meeting in Hà Nội on August 16, 2023 under the chair of Party General Secretary and Chairman of the committee Nguyễn Phú Trọng. — VNA/VNS Photo Trí Dũng

As head of the Central Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena, with high political determination, General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng led decisively, persistently, comprehensively, methodically and deeply, with breakthroughs linking anti-corruption and negative phenomena with Party building and political system reform. Many ideas, viewpoints, guiding principles, and action principles in fighting corruption and negative phenomena initiated and directed by the General Secretary have proven effective, affirmed through practice, and brought valuable lessons in both theory and practice.

This “war” was systematic and theoretical. Its theory was fundamentally reflected in the work “Resolutely, persistently fighting corruption and negative phenomena to contribute to building more transparent and stronger Party and State” (February 2023) by the General Secretary. This war had clear objectives and the decisive factor was the direct, tight, comprehensive and regular leadership of the Party; relying on the people and listening to the people. Particularly, the example of consistency between words and actions, persistent struggle without rest, and the unity between years of contemplation and specific actions in the fight against corruption and negative phenomena by the General Secretary.

The anti-corruption and negative phenomena work achieved many important results, creating strong changes in the awareness and actions of the entire political system, increasing the trust of officials, Party members, and the people in the Party, State and regime.

Among the most notable achievements of Trọng’s campaign is the handling of the PetroViệt Nam scandal. This case, involving top executives and government officials, epitomised the entrenched corruption within state-owned enterprises.

By addressing such high-profile cases head on, Trọng demonstrated an unflinching commitment to dismantling the networks of corruption that hindered national development. Former Politburo member Đinh La Thăng, for instance, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in mismanaging state resources.

Another significant case under Trọng’s anti-corruption drive was the trial of former Minister of Information and Communications, Nguyễn Bắc Son, and his deputy, Trương Minh Tuấn. They were convicted for their involvement in the notorious Mobifone-AVG deal, a scandal where they received millions of dollars in bribes to facilitate the acquisition of a private television company at an inflated price, causing massive losses to the state budget. Both were handed lengthy prison sentences, highlighting the campaign’s reach into the highest levels of government.

Trọng’s efforts have also extended to the banking sector, plagued by corruption and financial misconduct. The prosecution of high-profile bankers such as Phạm Công Danh, the former chairman of Việt Nam Construction Bank, and Hà Văn Thắm, the former chairman of Ocean Bank, underscores his commitment to eradicating financial crimes. Their cases revealed extensive networks of fraudulent activities and embezzlement, leading to significant prison sentences and the recovery of substantial sums of money.

The practical evidence proves that General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng fulfilled his mission as the country’s top leader in protecting the nation’s survival and development through two parallel paths: law and culture. Law represents the seriousness and civilisation of a state, of a nation, while culture represents the soul and virtues of a people.

A leader who earned the people’s trust and lived among the people

In any position, Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng always adhered to and exemplified the four virtues – “diligence, thrift, integrity, righteousness” – taught by President Hồ Chí Minh. Step by step, he matured and dedicated his entire life to the Party and the people.

At the same time, General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng consistently demanded that each agency, locality and cadre fully understand their responsibilities, wholeheartedly focus on the common good, and prioritise the interests of the Party, the nation, and the people above all else. He emphasised that political, ethical, and lifestyle standards, particularly the effectiveness of their work and the reputation of themselves and their families, should be the primary measures of evaluation. He stressed the importance of using these criteria to accurately assess, select, and place cadres in the right positions, creating a cohesive, united and strong team.

Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng paid a visit to Thanh Hóa Province in 2011. —  VNA/VNS Photo

People across the nation have always held deep respect and trust for General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng – a true communist, a talented leader who consistently aligned his words with actions, and who used the people’s needs as his benchmark and ultimate goal. He was always close to the people, cared deeply for them, and had a profoundly compassionate heart.

When he received the 55-year Party membership badge on the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Việt Nam, General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng recalled lines from the famous work “How the Steel Was Tempered” by Soviet author Nikolai Alekseyevich Ostrovsky who wrote: “The most precious thing for a person is life and the honour of living because we only live once. Live so as not to regret wasted years or be ashamed of mean and cowardly actions that earn the people’s contempt. So that when we die, we can say: All my life and all my strength were dedicated to the noblest cause in the world – the cause of fighting for national liberation, human liberation, and bringing happiness to the people.” He also quoted, “Steel is forged in red fire and cold water, and it knows no fear!” and lines from poet Tố Hữu: “Even with a second or a minute left, I will continue to fight without giving up!”

For his many great and outstanding contributions to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation, on July 18, 2024, the Politburo awarded General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng the Gold Star Order – the highest honour of the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam. — VNS