Mark Rutte May Become NATO’s New Secretary General

Hungary has withdrawn its objections. Centre-right Mark Rutte is considered the preferred candidate by most NATO allies, including major members such as the United States and Germany. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte may become NATO’s next secretary-general after Hungary withdrew its veto. To secure his seat, the outgoing prime minister gave written assurances that Hungary would not take part in the military alliance’s new plans to support Ukraine. Current NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the agreement. “This means we are about to make a decision. It is not for me to decide who will be my successor. It is up to NATO member states, but I am glad that we are close to a decision because Hungary was one of the few countries that opposed Mark Rutte, and with Hungary now supporting Mark Rutte, the appointment is rather close,” Stoltenberg said. Centre-right Mark Rutte is considered the preferred candidate by most NATO allies, including major members such as the United States and Germany. The appointment of a secretary general requires the agreement of all 32 alliance members. Earlier, Slovakia said it is ready to back Rutte in exchange for help with air defense reinforcements. Turkey opposed Rutte’s candidacy earlier this year, but withdrew its objections in April. Although Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has also run for the post, officials and analysts believe he will not pose a serious problem for Rutte. Iohannis is expected to withdraw his candidacy in the near future.