Đỗ Mười, Vietnamese politician, 5th Prime Minister of Vietnam

Đỗ Mười (Vietnamese: [ɗǒˀ mɨ̂əj]; 2 February 1917 – 1 October 2018) was a prominent Vietnamese communist politician whose extensive career spanned key periods of Vietnam's modern history, from its struggle for independence to its integration into the global economy. His political journey saw him rise through the ranks of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), eventually holding the nation's highest offices, including Chairman of the Council of Ministers and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Early Life and Revolutionary Contributions

Born Nguyễn Duy Cống in Dong My Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi, Đỗ Mười adopted his more familiar revolutionary alias later in life. He became actively involved in revolutionary activities against French colonial rule in the 1930s, formally joining the Indochinese Communist Party (the precursor to the CPV) in 1939. His dedication to the cause led to his arrest and imprisonment by the French colonial authorities, experiences that forged his resolve and shaped his political ideology. Following the August Revolution of 1945 and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Đỗ Mười took on various significant roles in local administration and later at the ministerial level, demonstrating his administrative capabilities and commitment to national development.

Ascent to National Leadership: Chairman of the Council of Ministers

By the late 1940s, Đỗ Mười had begun his steady ascent within the party hierarchy, holding various influential positions that prepared him for national leadership. His dedication and experience culminated in his appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers, a role equivalent to Prime Minister, in 1988. This period was critical for Vietnam, as it was deep into the implementation of its groundbreaking economic reform program known as Đổi Mới (Renovation), initiated in 1986. As head of government, Đỗ Mười was instrumental in steering the nation through the initial phases of market-oriented economic transition, overseeing reforms designed to move Vietnam from a centrally planned economy towards a socialist-oriented market economy, while simultaneously grappling with the aftermath of the Soviet Union's decline and shifting geopolitical landscapes.

General Secretary of the CPV: Consolidating Reforms and Collective Leadership

Đỗ Mười's career reached its pinnacle in 1991 when he was elected General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam at the landmark 7th National Congress. This position is the most powerful in Vietnam's political system, effectively making him the nation's top leader. His election came at a crucial juncture, following the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union, prompting the CPV to reaffirm its commitment to socialism while embracing pragmatic economic reforms. As General Secretary, he continued and consolidated the policy of economic reform initiated by his predecessor, Nguyễn Văn Linh. This involved further opening up the Vietnamese economy to foreign investment, integrating into regional and global trade bodies, and decentralizing economic decision-making to some extent, all while maintaining the Communist Party's political monopoly.

A cornerstone of his leadership, and indeed of the Vietnamese political system, was the adherence to the principle of "collective leadership." This doctrine emphasizes shared decision-making among the Politburo and the broader Central Committee, rather than concentrating power in a single individual. Đỗ Mười actively upheld this policy, ensuring stability and consensus within the party leadership during a period of significant domestic change and international uncertainty. He was elected for two terms as General Secretary, reflecting the party's confidence in his steady hand and leadership during the early and mid-1990s, a period of sustained economic growth for Vietnam.

Transition and Enduring Influence

Đỗ Mười left office as General Secretary in 1997 at the 3rd plenum of the 8th Central Committee, during his second term, marking a smooth transition to a new generation of leaders. Despite his official retirement from the top political post, his vast experience and respected stature ensured his continued involvement in national affairs. From 1997 until 2001, he served as an advisor to the Central Committee, a role that allowed him to offer guidance and counsel to the party leadership, particularly on long-term strategic matters. This advisory institution, the Advisory Council of the Central Committee, was later abolished, but Đỗ Mười's influence continued. He remained a delegate to several subsequent National Congresses of the CPV, including the 9th, 10th, and 11th Congresses, further highlighting his enduring presence and respected voice within the party. Even after his formal retirement from active politics, Đỗ Mười continued to influence decision-making processes through informal channels and as a revered elder statesman, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of respecting and consulting senior leaders.

Legacy and Demise

Đỗ Mười passed away on 1 October 2018, at the venerable age of 101, at Central Military Hospital 108 in Hanoi. His long life and extensive career left an indelible mark on modern Vietnam. He is remembered for his dedication to the Communist Party and his role in navigating Vietnam through the complex post-Cold War era, consolidating economic reforms, and setting the stage for the country's continued development and integration into the global community.

Frequently Asked Questions about Đỗ Mười

Who was Đỗ Mười?

Đỗ Mười was a prominent Vietnamese communist politician who served as Chairman of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) from 1988 to 1991 and as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam from 1991 to 1997, holding the highest political office in the country.

What was Đỗ Mười's role in Vietnam's economic reforms?

As Chairman of the Council of Ministers and later General Secretary, Đỗ Mười was instrumental in continuing and consolidating the Đổi Mới (Renovation) economic reforms. He oversaw the transition towards a socialist-oriented market economy, promoting foreign investment and greater integration into the global economy while maintaining political stability.

What is "collective leadership" in the context of Vietnamese politics?

"Collective leadership" is a fundamental principle of the Communist Party of Vietnam, emphasizing that major decisions are made by the Politburo and the Central Committee as a collective body, rather than by a single individual. Đỗ Mười strictly upheld this principle during his tenure as General Secretary.

How long did Đỗ Mười serve as General Secretary?

Đỗ Mười served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam for approximately six years, from 1991 until he left office in 1997 during his second term.

Did Đỗ Mười retain influence after retiring from the General Secretary role?

Yes, despite officially retiring from the General Secretary position in 1997, Đỗ Mười continued to influence decision-making as an advisor to the Central Committee until 2001 and as a revered elder statesman and delegate to subsequent Party Congresses, reflecting his continued stature and wisdom within the party.