All 495 lawmakers present endorsed his nomination, according to parliament, formalizing a dual leadership structure that departs from Vietnam’s long-standing system of collective governance.

Lam, who secured a second term earlier this year as head of the Communist Party of Vietnam, now holds both the top party and state positions for the next five years. Analysts say the concentration of authority could streamline policymaking but also raises concerns about increased centralization of power.

In a televised address after the vote, Lam pledged to pursue a new growth strategy driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, while emphasizing stability, self-reliance in defense and improvements in living standards.

The leadership shift marks a structural change in Vietnam’s political system, bringing it closer to models seen in other one-party states where power is concentrated in a single figure.

Observers say this could accelerate economic decision-making in the fast-growing Southeast Asian economy.Lam, 68, previously served as minister of public security and has promoted reforms aimed at boosting competitiveness and reducing reliance on low-cost manufacturing.

His policies have drawn both praise from investors and concerns over potential risks such as market distortions, favouritism and asset bubbles.Vietnam’s foreign policy is expected to remain broadly unchanged, with Lam continuing a balancing approach between major powers while expanding global partnerships.

The National Assembly is expected to appoint a new prime minister later on Tuesday to replace Pham Minh Chinh.

The assembly convened its first session a day earlier, where delegates are expected to deliberate amendments to the socialist constitution and formalise leadership positions, including the chairmanship of the State Affairs Commission. The body, widely regarded as a rubber-stamp legislature, typically meets after major party congresses to translate ruling party decisions into state law.

The session will also review the country’s economic five-year plan announced at the ninth Workers’ Party Congress held in February, according to KCNA.

Attention has centred on whether Pyongyang will amend its constitution to codify Kim Jong Un’s “two hostile states” doctrine toward South Korea. In recent years, the North Korean leadership has shifted away from its longstanding policy of peaceful reunification, formally redefining the South as an adversarial state.

Such a move would mark a significant institutional shift, embedding the current security posture into the country’s legal framework.

Kim Yo Jong, the leader’s sister and a key political figure, was absent from KCNA’s list of members of the State Affairs Commission, where she had served since 2021. South Korea’s Unification Ministry said it was examining the development.

Analysts said her omission did not necessarily indicate a reduction in influence. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University, said the move could reflect a strategic redistribution of roles, with Kim Yo Jong continuing to exercise authority within the ruling Workers’ Party in a policy coordination capacity.The developments come as North Korea continues to consolidate internal governance structures while signalling a hardened stance on inter-Korean relations.