With support from NATO leaders, Rutte is considered the favorite to succeed current Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in October.
The United States, Britain, France and Germany have all appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) at a crucial time for the alliance as Russia's war with Ukraine escalates. I support setting it up.
NATO officials on Thursday endorsed Rutte to succeed current president Jens Stoltenberg when he steps down in October, putting him in a strong position to take leadership of the transatlantic alliance.
Stoltenberg's successor will take office at a critical juncture, tasked with maintaining NATO allies' support for the costly defense of Ukraine while guarding against an escalation that could draw the alliance directly into war with Russia. bear.
“The United States has made clear to our allies, our NATO allies, that we believe Mr. Rutte will be an excellent secretary general of NATO,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Thursday. Told.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK had “strong support” for Mr Rutte and wanted a candidate who would “keep NATO strong and deliver on the alliance's NATO 2030 vision”. he added.
The UK Foreign Office also said Mr Rutte is a respected figure across NATO, has significant defense and security qualifications and is committed to ensuring NATO remains strong and prepared for its own defense needs. He said he would.
A senior French official told Reuters that President Emmanuel Macron had supported Rutte's appointment from the beginning.and German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit. said in X Rutte said he had Berlin's support and praised him as an “excellent candidate”.
Diplomats say Rutte is the only official candidate for the post, which is being contested behind closed doors, but Romanian President Klaus Iohannis' name has also been floated in recent private discussions. There's also a voice. Other candidates could include Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kalas and Latvia's Foreign Minister Krishanis Kalins.
But diplomats say Rutte is in a commanding position, backed by the alliance's dominant powers, Washington, three European powers and about 16 other NATO members.
However, some analysts believe he could face opposition from Turkey and Hungary.
'Interesting work
Rutte, 57, told Dutch media in October that running a military alliance was a “very interesting” job and was open to the possibility, after previously declining to run for a NATO post. he said.
Rutte, the Netherlands' longest-serving leader, has forged good relationships with various leaders in the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States during his tenure, including Donald Trump.
Trump, who is running for a second term as US president later this year, earlier this month questioned his commitment to defending NATO allies if re-elected, prompting Western officials to question his commitment to protecting NATO allies. received heavy criticism from
Over the weekend, Rutte urged European leaders to “stop moaning, whining and nagging” about Trump and instead focus on what they can do to strengthen national defense and support Ukraine.
Established in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union during the Cold War, NATO is a political and military alliance of countries from North America and Europe.
NATO leaders are appointed by consensus. This means that all member states must agree on the final decision. The alliance currently has 31 members, with Sweden expected to join soon.
