The politburo is more attuned to national goals and interests that, depending on the crisis of the moment, may require it to take steps that seem liberal in comparison with the national assembly. Lastly, the legislature's move suggests that party chief Phieu is not quite the strongman that many assumed he was when the former army general took the helm a year ago. His apparent inability to forge a consensus at the politburo level could presage a stronger role for the central committee. The machinations of the past eight weeks indicate that Phieu is either indecisive, or a more genuine broker than his predecessors who is more willing to let pass positions that don't adhere to an orthodox ideological line. Or he may lack the stature and support within the politburo to push through decisions, notes Turley.
More debate lies ahead.