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.
“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.”It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I…
— Mark Rutte (@MinPres) June 26, 2024
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 warmly welcome #NATO Allies' choice of @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) June 26, 2024
I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.https://t.co/D0ass7fKiL
“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 aheadCongratulations to Mark Rutte @MinPres on being elected the incoming @NATO Secretary General.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇵🇱 (@PolandMFA) June 26, 2024
We extend our gratitude to the outgoing SG @jensstoltenberg for his steadfast leadership of the Alliance over the past decade.
We are stronger together. #WeAreNATO
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.
