General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam

The General Secretary (First Secretary from 1960–76) is the leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The activities of Politburo and Secretariat are directed by the General Secretary. The post holder also maintains the top position in the Party's Central Military Commission, which is considered the supreme military policy-making body. Since Vietnam is a single-party state, the General Secretary is the most powerful authority figure within the Vietnamese government and also has the highest military command authority over the armed forces of Vietnam and is the de facto ruler of the country.

Hô Chí Minh was Chairman of the Party from 1930-1969. After his death, the power of the Chairman was modified and General Secretary became the highest post.

List of General Secretaries