Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, 57, was sworn in as NATO’s next secretary general on Wednesday. He will take office on October 1, replacing Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, who has been in office for ten years.
NATO’s 32 countries named Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as their next secretary general on Wednesday, in a crucial moment for the Alliance as Russia continues its war in Ukraine. Mark Rutte, 57, will take office on October 1, replacing Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, who has been in office for ten years. “I know that I will leave NATO in good hands,” the latter immediately reacted on X. “Mark is a true defender of transatlantic relations, a strong leader and a consensus builder,” he added.
Very quickly supported by the leaders of the alliance
“Your leadership and experience will be crucial for the Alliance during this difficult period,” responded the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, calling for a strengthening of the partnership between the EU and NATO. A veteran of European politics, Mark Rutte very quickly obtained the support of the most important countries in the Alliance, starting with the United States. His appointment was nothing more than a formality after the withdrawal of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis’ candidacy last week.
In addition to the Russian threat, the Dutch leader will have to deal with the outcome of the US elections in November. The United States alone represents half of the military weight of the Alliance.
The prospect of Donald Trump’s return to the White House haunts the corridors of NATO in Brussels. Notoriously distrustful of the Alliance, which he described as “obsolete”, the American billionaire has increased his criticism against the European allies, accused of not spending enough on their defense.