Scholz is also for Rutte
Important NATO states are campaigning for Stoltenberg’s successor
February 22, 2024, 8:54 p.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
Until October, then it’s really over for Jens Stoltenberg. NATO then needs a new Secretary General. Several countries are campaigning for one candidate: Mark Rutte. However, the Dutchman needs the consent of the entire alliance – that is still questionable.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports a possible nomination of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the new NATO Secretary General. Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit announced this on X in the evening. With his immense experience, his great security policy expertise and his excellent diplomatic skills, he is an outstanding candidate.
Rutte can now look forward to another prominent supporter. It had previously been known from US government circles that US President Joe Biden had spoken out in favor of Rutte as NATO Secretary General. Biden strongly supports Rutte’s candidacy, a US government representative said upon request. Rutte has “a deep understanding of the importance of the alliance”.
And there were also words of praise for the Dutchman from Great Britain. “The United Kingdom strongly supports Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte succeeding Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary General,” the British news agency PA quoted a spokesman for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as saying. Rutte enjoys a high reputation in the alliance.
Stoltenberg steps down from his post in October after a decade. To be appointed NATO Secretary General, Rutte needs the approval of all 31 members of the alliance. Two diplomats said Rutte has so far had the informal support of about 20 NATO members. Hungary and Turkey are considered possible opponents, but have not yet commented.