Nguyễn Xuân Phúc was born on July 20, 1954 in Vietnam. He graduated from the Hanoi National Economics University in 1978 before joining the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1982. Phúc held various positions, including serving on the Quảng Nam-Đà Nẵng Economic Board and as Chief of Office of the Quảng Nam - Đà Nẵng People's Committee. He furthered his education by earning degrees in administrative management from the Vietnam National Administrative Academy and economic management from the National University of Singapore.
Nguyễn Xuân Phúc's political career began to flourish as he served as a member of the National Assembly in its 11th-14th terms. He was appointed as the Prime Minister of Vietnam in 2016, succeeding Nguyen Tan Dung. Phúc received widespread acclaim for his management of the COVID-19 pandemic during his tenure as Prime Minister, where he implemented successful strategies to combat the spread of the virus.
However, his political career took a turn in 2023 when he resigned from all governmental posts amid the infamous Việt Á scandal. The scandal involved over 500 employees and led to Phúc's decision to step down from his role as President of Vietnam. Despite denying any direct involvement in the scandal, Phúc faced backlash and chose to withdraw from politics altogether.
Nguyễn Xuân Phúc is married to Trần Thị Nguyệt Thu, with whom he has two children - a son named Nguyễn Xuân Hiếu and a daughter named Nguyễn Thị Xuân Trang. His son-in-law, Vũ Chí Hùng, served as the Vice Director General of the General Department of Taxation. Phúc's brother, Nguyễn Quốc Dũng, previously held the position of Procurator General of the People's Procuracy of Da Nang. He also has a sister named Nguyễn Thị Thuyền, and tragically, another sister was killed by American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Throughout his political career, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc had the opportunity to meet with numerous world leaders. As Prime Minister, he engaged with U.S. President Donald Trump and exchanged ideas on various global issues. During his presidency, Phúc met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin to discuss the management of the COVID-19 pandemic. These interactions showcased his diplomatic skills and ability to navigate international relations.
Nguyễn Xuân Phúc's legacy remains a mix of achievements and controversies. While he was lauded for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic growth during his time in office, the Việt Á scandal stained his reputation and prompted his departure from politics. Despite the challenges he faced, Phúc's contributions to Vietnam's development and his commitment to public service stand as a testament to his dedication to his country.
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