In
the West, the life of many retired politicians becomes busier than the time
they were on active service. They are engrossed in writing memoirs, speaking at
conferences, talking with the audience, etc. to earn hundreds of thousands of
USD. They are also busy as high-class advisors for big groups. How about Vietnam?
What are retired Vietnamese politicians doing?

Self-business

Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice President.

Self-business includes selling specific products and service
as well as brainpower and reputation. Not only in Vietnam but in the world, this is
always a “sensitive” field for any politician. But do politicians involve in
business?

They don’t directly do business but they “sell” their
brainpower and reputation through working as high-ranking advisors or speakers
at big groups and organizations.

International, former US President Bill Clinton is the
most successful example. He is now a high-ranking advisor for Infor USA.
He is also the author of “My Life” – a memoir that was sold well. He also earns
a lot of money from speeches. In 2004, he earned $1 million from “My Life”. In
2007, Bill Clinton earned more than $10 million, 68 times higher than his wife
– Senator Hilary’s salary (over 150,000) and his retired pension (around
$152,000).

In Vietnam,
retired politicians don’t make money from speaking at events or writing
memoirs. They only write analysis or short articles for big online newspapers
or prestigious blogs to show their viewpoints or to contribute their opinions
as a citizen.

Readers can find out articles by former Deputy Prime
Minister Vu Khoan, Nguyen Trung - former assistant to Prime Minister, Vo Van
Kiet, etc. on newspapers, magazines and the businessmen-intellectual network.

Social activities

Bui Tien Dung, former Party Secretary of Thai Binh province

Participating in social and charity activities is a way for
retired politicians to play the role of a normal citizen, which they could not
perform when they were at office.

“There are many forms of social and charity activities in
the world, for example the foundation of former US President Bill Clinton,” said
Bui Tien Dung, former Central Party Committee’s member, Party Secretary of Thai
Binh province.

In Vietnam,
retired politicians are also interested in social activities. For instance,
former Vice President, Nguyen Thi Binh is campaigning for a social foundation
for children.

Tran Xuan Gia, former Minister of Planning and Investment.

Dung told VietNamNet that he participated in some social
activities of the Thai Binh Foundation, including free meals at Thai Binh
Hospital, teaching
English for poor children and others.

Late Prime Minister, Vo Van Kiet is also a good example.
After retirement, he used to visit and help people in the Mekong Delta.

However, not many retired politicians in Vietnam participate in social
activities though this is a suitable job for them.

Still working with
their expertise

Former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Hung Vo.

Some retired politicians still work as experts or advisors
for the government or companies.

Former Governor of the Central Bank, Cao Sy Kiem is now Vice
Chair of the National Advisory Council on Financial and Monetary Policy.

Former Minister of Planning and Investment, Tran Xuan Gia is
President of the Asian Commercial Bank (ACB).

Former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment,
Dang Hung Vo is high-ranking advisor for the General Department of Land
Management and independent advisor for many international development
organizations.

The remaining retired politicians are living in seclusion.

TVN