Myanmar Acting President Myint Swe Dies at 74

Myanmar's acting President U Myint Swe, who assumed power following the 2021 military coup, died at age 74 in Nay Pyi Taw due to neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's. He had been on medical leave since July 2024, during which time junta leader Min Aung Hlaing took over his ceremonial presidential duties. Myint Swe became acting president after then-President Win Myint was detained during the coup, which led to the military seizing control and a prolonged civil war. Despite recent nominal transfers of power to a civilian-led interim government, Min Aung Hlaing retains de facto control as acting president and military chief. Myint Swe's death comes amid ongoing political instability, with critics viewing the planned elections as a means for the junta to maintain power through proxy parties. A state funeral has been scheduled for Myint Swe, whose presidency largely served to legitimize military rule.