A figurehead leader, he had little real power but did endorse measures that allowed the country’s generals to extend their rule after a 2021 coup.

Myint Swe became acting president under controversial circumstances in 2021 after the military seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myint Swe had been on medical leave for over a year, with the junta confirming that Senior Gen Min Aung Hlaing had been handling presidential duties since July 2024.