The
President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is, according to the constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the
head of state of
Vietnam. In this capacity, the President represents the government both domestically and internationally, and maintains the regular and coordinated operation and stability of the national government and safeguards the independence and territorial integrity of the country. The President appoints the
Prime Minister,
Vice President, Ministers and other officials with the consent of the
National Assembly. The President is furthermore the
commander-in-chief of the
Vietnam People's Armed Forces and Chairman of the
Council for Defense and Security. The tenure of the President is five years, and a president can only serve three terms. If the President becomes unable to discharge duties of office, the Vice President or Prime Minister assumes the office of acting president until the President resumes duty, or until the election of a new president.