Wong, 49, was chosen in April to lead the so-called Fourth Generation People’s Action Party (PAP) team, but the timetable for a power shift within the ruling party remains unclear.
Lee, 70, has previously said Wong will succeed him either before or after the next general election, which is scheduled for 2025.
“The next generation’s leadership is taking shape. I ask everyone to lend their full support to this important transition, to guide Singapore safely out of the pandemic and into a brighter future,” Lee said in a post. Facebook Monday.
Monday’s announcement included moving several other political office holders to different ministers.
Wong, who led Singapore’s COVID task force, will continue in his current role as finance minister while serving as deputy prime minister, according to an official statement. He will replace Lee at the head of the country in the event of the latter’s absence.
Singapore has been governed by the PAP since its independence in 1965 and the succession of the leader is usually a carefully planned affair.
Felix Tan, a political analyst at Nanyang Technological University, said Wong’s appointment would ensure a smoother transition to the top job, which is unlikely to be imminent.
“It will give him some leeway to familiarize himself with the role, give him the chance to form a new cabinet or at least be involved in the decision-making process of forming a new cabinet,” he said. he declares.
“I don’t necessarily think PM Lee is going to step down anytime soon. Maybe we’ll see a delay of a year or two, which will bring us closer to the next general election.”