So it is not surprising that the process has dragged on over two years, even though the need for new blood at the top, not to mention some fresh ideas, is manifest to everyone. Vietnam's economic reforms and opening to the outside world called doi moi are faltering badly. Complaints from foreign investors about bureaucratic foul-ups, red tape and lack of legal protection grow louder by the day.
State enterprises bleed money, but there is no strong effort at privatization.
Corruption is eroding the party's legitimacy even at the grassroots, as shown by the peasant unrest that took place in the northern province of Thai Binh. Against this backdrop, the National Assembly finally filled two of the key posts. Vo Van Kiet, 75. The surprise choice for the largely ceremonial post of president was deputy prime minister Tran Duc Luong, 60. Still to be decided is the powerful position of secretary general of the Communist Party.