NATO has appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its next secretary-general, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. The decision was finalized by NATO ambassadors at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, with formal recognition to follow at a summit in Washington on July 9-11. Rutte, who takes over on October 1, has been praised by Stoltenberg as a “true trans-Atlanticist” and a strong leader.
Rutte’s path to the position faced several obstacles, despite backing from the White House and key member countries like Germany. He became the sole candidate after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew his candidacy last week. Hungary and Turkey, which had initially opposed Rutte’s bid, eventually lifted their objections, allowing for a unanimous decision.
As secretary-general, Rutte will chair meetings and guide consultations among NATO member countries, ensuring the organization functions smoothly and decisions are implemented effectively. His leadership comes at a critical time for European security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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