Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is set to become NATO’s next secretary general after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew from the race. This decision came after Hungary lifted its veto on Rutte’s candidacy, as he assured that Hungary would not be forced to participate in NATO’s plans to support Ukraine.
The withdrawal of Romania’s president paves the way for Rutte to lead the world’s largest military organization starting in October. This move eliminates the main obstacle Rutte was facing and allows NATO to display unity and solidarity with Ukraine as U.S. President Joe Biden and other leaders gather in Washington for NATO’s 75th birthday celebrations from July 9-11.
The role of NATO secretary-general involves chairing meetings and facilitating discussions among the organization’s 32 member countries to ensure that decisions are made by consensus. Rutte, who has been the preferred candidate for many NATO allies, including the U.S. and Germany, is expected to take on this responsibility.
Despite initial objections from Hungary and Turkey, Rutte’s candidacy gained widespread support within NATO. He has been seen as a strong candidate to succeed Jens Stoltenberg, who has led NATO for ten years and is regarded as a stabilizing force within the organization.
The process of selecting Stoltenberg’s successor faced challenges, with leaders unable to reach a consensus during a meeting in Lithuania in July 2023. However, Rutte’s emergence as the sole candidate now provides a path forward for NATO leadership.
As Rutte prepares to take on this pivotal role, he will need to navigate complex diplomatic relationships and ensure that NATO continues to function effectively in the face of global security challenges. His experience as the Dutch prime minister and his support from key NATO members position him well to lead the organization into its next chapter.