US and European powers back Dutch PM Rutte as next NATO head

The current Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, has garnered support from major NATO members such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany to assume the role of NATO’s next Secretary-General.

This endorsement comes at a crucial point for the alliance amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The backing positions Rutte strongly to succeed Jens Stoltenberg, the current chair, who is set to step down in October. The new Secretary-General will face the challenging task of maintaining NATO members’ support for Ukraine’s defence efforts while preventing any escalation that could directly involve the alliance in a war with Moscow.

Rutte is the only official candidate for the post

John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, underlined the United States’ endorsement of Rutte, stating that he would be an excellent choice for the role. The UK, through Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson, expressed strong support for Rutte, underscoring the importance of a candidate who can uphold NATO’s strength and implement the alliance’s NATO 2030 vision. The British Foreign Office highlighted Rutte’s widespread respect within NATO, citing his significant defence and security credentials and commitment to ensuring the alliance’s strength and preparedness for self-defence.

A senior French official revealed that President Emmanuel Macron was an early supporter of Rutte for the position, while a German government spokesperson, Steffen Hebestreit, confirmed Berlin’s backing, praising Rutte as an outstanding candidate.

Rutte is regarded as the sole official candidate for the NATO Secretary-General post in the covert selection process, with informal discussions also mentioning the name of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Latvia’s Foreign Minister, Krisjanis Karins or Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.

Despite some informal considerations of alternative candidates, Rutte, with the backing of Washington, the predominant power within the alliance, as well as support from major European nations and approximately 16 other NATO members, holds a formidable position.

Rutte may face opposition for some of the NATO’s members

Having previously ruled himself out for the NATO position in past years, the 57-year-old Dutch leader expressed interest in the role in October, considering it a “very interesting” job.

As the Netherlands’ longest-serving leader, Rutte has cultivated positive relationships with various British, European Union, and US leaders, including Donald Trump, during his tenure. Trump’s recent remarks questioning his commitment to defending NATO allies if re-elected drew criticism from Western officials.

While Rutte urged European leaders to shift their focus from complaining about Trump and concentrate on strengthening defence and aiding Ukraine, analysts note potential challenges from Turkyie and Hungary.

NATO, established in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union during the Cold War, operates as a political and military alliance involving countries from North America and Europe. Leadership positions within NATO are determined by consensus, requiring the agreement of all member nations. Currently comprising 31 members, NATO is poised to welcome Sweden in the near future.