Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is expected to replace NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, whose term will expire in October after his only rival, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, withdrew his candidacy. Although Rutte has not yet been officially announced as NATO Secretary General, he is the only candidate.
Rutte’s Candidacy and the Process of Getting Support
Rutte will take office if 32 NATO member states officially approve. It is commented that Rutte, who is expected to take over the Secretary General of NATO in a critical period, has good relations with former US President, Republican Candidate Donald Trump. Rutte received support from Türkiye, Hungary and Romania for his candidacy.
Rutte’s Political Career and Decisions
Rutte (57), the former prime minister of the Netherlands who has been the prime minister for the longest time, stated that he was withdrawing from politics last year and announced that he would not be a candidate in the next elections. Rutte’s decision to withdraw from politics came after disagreements over the coalition government’s refugee policy. Due to the problems encountered in the formation of the government after the early elections held in November 2023, Rutte was able to hand over his duty on June 2.
(ANKARA) –It is certain that Rutte will become the next secretary general, as he has received approval from member states before the summit to be held in Washington on July 11, where NATO’s 75th anniversary will be celebrated.
