NATO appoints outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its next secretary-general

Mark Rutte has been appointed as NATO’s next secretary-general, with backing from the US and other member countries like Germany. He was the only candidate remaining after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew his candidacy last week. Rutte, the outgoing Dutch prime minister, will now lead the world’s largest security organization during a critical period for European security amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. His appointment was finalized by NATO ambassadors at a meeting held at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. U.S. President Joe Biden and other leaders will officially welcome Rutte at a summit in Washington from July 9-11.

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Rutte to Succeed Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary-General on October 1

The outgoing Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, will succeed Norway’s Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary-General on October 1. Stoltenberg, who has led NATO for over a decade, had his mandate extended multiple times to ensure continuity following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “I warmly welcome NATO allies’ choice of Mark Rutte as my successor,” Stoltenberg stated. “Mark is a true trans-Atlanticist, a strong leader, and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO for the challenges of today and tomorrow. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands,” he added.

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Rutte’s Path to NATO Leadership Overcomes Obstacles

Secretaries-general preside over meetings and facilitate delicate negotiations among member countries to ensure the smooth functioning of NATO, which operates on consensus. The NATO leader also ensures decisions are implemented and speaks on behalf of all members. Despite having the support of the White House and most major member countries, including Germany, Rutte faced several obstacles in securing the post. He became the sole candidate after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew last week. Hungary lifted its objections earlier this month after Rutte agreed that Budapest would not be obligated to send personnel or provide funds for a new support plan for Ukraine. NATO’s requirement for unanimous decision-making means any member can veto projects and operations.

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