Jobless graduates could lead future challenge to communist leadership HANOI - Nepotism, a slowing economy and qualifications which fail to meet employer demands are producing a class of disaffected youth which observers suggest could lead a future challenge to the communist leadership. A recent survey showed that only one in 10 university graduates found immediate employment after their studies. Typical of young people frustrated by the lack of professional opportunities is Dung, 24, a graduate in tourism and hospitality studies. "I did well at university, but the only job I can get is serving in this cafe," he said. "I only earn US$80 [HK$620] a month - all the good jobs go to people who come from families well connected to the party." Charges of nepotism are nothing new, but the subject has been receiving more attention recently in the state-controlled press. An article in yesterday's Lao Dong newspaper detailed the questionable hiring policy of managers at the Perfume Pagoda, an important cultural site and popular tourist destination near Hanoi. "While many graduates from tourism and culture [courses] are still waiting for work, the management recruited nine party cadres whose qualifications had nothing to do with the job," the article said. Overall, unemployment in Vietnam was about 6.5 per cent last year, but the figure for the country's major cities exceeded 10 per cent, and about one million job seekers will enter the employment market this year. Vietnam expert Professor Carl Thayer says if economic trends are not soon reversed, the country could see increased calls from the 50 per cent of its population under 25 for the leadership to step down. "Vietnam has the examples of neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia to ponder. In both countries the youth has taken to the streets," he said. By Huw Watkin - South China Morning Post - March 22, 2000.