Politics

Staunch Ukraine ally Mark Rutte confirmed as next NATO chief

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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: PAP/EPA/TOMS KALNINS
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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, a fierce critic of Russia and a staunch ally of Ukraine, has been appointed as NATO’s new Secretary General, to succeed Jens Stoltenberg.

The move, confirmed by the alliance on Wednesday, comes almost a week after Rutte’s rival for the post, Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis, withdrew his bid and backed the outgoing Dutch premier instead.

“Mr. Rutte will assume his functions as Secretary General from 1 October 2024, when Mr. Stoltenberg’s term expires after ten years at the helm of the Alliance,” NATO said in a statement.

In his four-year term as secretary general, Rutte faces the challenge of maintaining allies’ support for Ukraine against Russia as the conflict drags on, while avoiding direct NATO involvement in the war.

Rutte said it was “a tremendous honour” to be appointed, adding on X: “The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly.” He added: “I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me.”

The Dutch PM gained early support for the top NATO role from key members of the alliance, including the United States, Britain, France, and Germany. Other countries soon followed suit.

“Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader, and a consensus-builder,” Stoltenberg said, welcoming the selection of Rutte as his successor.

“I know I am leaving NATO in good hands,” he added. Addressing Rutte, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: “Your leadership and experience will be crucial for the Alliance during these challenging times.”

“I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the EU-NATO partnership,” she added.

Poland’s foreign ministry also congratulated the future NATO head while thanking Stoltenberg for his tenure. Challenges ahead

As head of NATO, Rutte will have to address concerns about the potential return of NATO-skeptic Donald Trump to the White House, a prospect that has unsettled some of the alliance’s leaders.

In February, the former U.S. president caused a storm by saying he would not protect alliance members from Russia if they did not spend enough on defense.
Source: Reuters, nato.int, X
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