By Joe Fotalattee
Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc Resigns
Following several changes in the country’s leadership, Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc declared he would step down. Following the dismissal of two deputy prime ministers, Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Dam, Phuc is the third high-level official to either resign from his position or be fired from it this month. On Wednesday, the National Assembly will convene to formally accept the resignation.
As president, Phuc had a significant influence on Politburo, the body that set the Communist Party of Vietnam’s policies. In a statement from his party, he was thanked for his service but it was also made clear that he was accountable for any infractions committed by those who worked for him.
Sleeper Bus Accident Kills Three
At 2 a.m. this morning, January 18, a sleeper bus lost control, flipped, and collided with three motorcycles while it was traveling on Highway 6 in Hoa Binh province. Twenty people were hurt and three people died immediately.
In an interview with Tuoi Tre Online on January 18, a representative of the People’s Committee of Tong Dau commune (Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh province) stated that the police department was investigating the traffic collision.
As soon as he entered the boundaries of Tong Dau commune, he lost control of his brakes, collided with three motorcycles, struck the right side rail, and overturned.
Stealing From Teachers
Tuoi Tre reported police in Ho Chi Minh City are looking for a man who broke into a primary school in Thu Duc City on Monday during a ceremony honoring the flag and stole VND15 million (US$640) from numerous teachers.