Vietnam debating an age limit for its leaders
HANOI - In the clearest sign yet that Vietnam's Communist Party plans a major shake-up within its elderly ranks, the
party is considering a proposal to require powerful Central Committee members over the age of 65 to retire, an official said
Tuesday.
"We must put new blood into the party Central Committee," said Huu Tho, head of the party's Commission for Ideology and
Culture, after the conclusion of a 10-day committee plenum.
Tho, who warned that these are only the initial deliberations on personnel issues, said the 170-member Central Committee is
mulling plans to ensure that its new members are young.
"Anyone over 65 should not stand for re-election except for key figures. But even key figures should not be too old," Tho told
a news conference. "In my opinion, anyone over 70 years old should not stand for re-election."
Tho said several dozen elderly party Central Committee members have asked to retire "to pave the way for the young
generation."
Vietnam is currently headed by a troika of three men -two of them nearing 70- Communist Party chief Le Kha Phieu, Prime
Minister Phan Van Khai and President Tran Duc Luong. Phieu turns 70 this December, while Khai will hit 70 in two years.
The meetings are laying the groundwork for March's policy-making Communist Party Congress, which will decide the country's
course for the next five years. At least two other plenums are planned before the Congress opens in late March.
As Communist Vietnam struggles toward economic and social reforms, its image remains one held back by an elderly,
conservative leadership.
Associated Press - January 16, 2001.
|