Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is already collecting votes to succeed Stoltenberg in NATO: the pros and cons of the nomination

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte He is the most likely candidate to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as leader of NATO, although the sudden victory of the extreme right in the recent elections in his country threatens to tarnish his image.

Many diplomats estimate that Rutte is far ahead of other candidates in the succession race – including Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and former Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.

The name of Stoltenberg’s successor, whose 10-year term was extended twice due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, is expected to be announced before a July summit in Washington.

After declaring himself unavailable for the position in previous years, Rutte, 56, expressed interest after his surprise resignation last summer.

Rutte told Dutch media last month that the position of NATO Secretary General is a “very interesting job” and that he would be open to such a possibility if the opportunity arises.

Diplomats say that Rutte, a familiar face on the European political scene after 13 years as Dutch prime minister, already has the support of key NATO members such as the United States, Britain, France and Germany.

He added, “He is a candidate for the position of Secretary General of NATO. He has made it clear that he is available and there is widespread support for him.”

Some of his supporters want his name to be put forward soon to avoid intertwining the process of selecting a new leader for the coalition with the process of assuming senior positions in the European Union after the European elections next June.

However, some last-minute negotiations are also likely to take place, and some warn of the possibility of a backlash from allies such as Turkey and Hungary.

A potential obstacle for Rutte may be the situation he leaves behind in the Netherlands, where the victory of Wilders’ far-right party sent shockwaves across Europe.

Wishes

During talks about a possible replacement for Stoltenberg in previous years, many NATO allies expressed their desire to find a successor.

Some wanted a woman to lead the alliance for the first time, and NATO’s eastern flank countries closest to Russia expressed hope that a woman from their region would take the helm.

Estonian company Kalas meets these criteria, but some in the West consider it too aggressive towards Moscow.

Another request was to appoint a president who comes from a country that meets NATO’s target of at least 2% in defense spending for its members.

The Netherlands did not achieve this goal during Rutte’s long tenure as prime minister, but has pledged to do so next year, and his supporters say that shows his commitment.

Rutte’s government also played an active role in supporting Ukraine this month by pledging another €2 billion and pressuring Kiev to take delivery of F-16 fighter jets.

Rutte will be the fourth Dutchman to lead the coalition, which reinforces the arguments of some that the coalition is not very happy.

But his supporters insist that Rutte is fully aware of the dangers posed by Russia.

During his rule, 196 Dutch citizens were killed when a missile, which investigators say was supplied by Moscow, shot down a passenger plane over Ukraine in 2014.

Trump administration

In addition, some allies in Europe are considering the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the US presidency next year.

Trump reportedly considered withdrawing the United States from the alliance during his term and was colluding with other members to increase spending.

Stoltenberg was able to change his mind, and was described as “Trump’s pet” because he was able to manage the former US president.

Rutte was not afraid to speak directly to Trump, even publicly opposing him during his visit to the White House over a potential trade deal between the United States and the European Union.

His supporters say his long experience in finding compromises as a politician is an asset.

Those who are not easily convinced argue that it would be easier to convince Trump to accept a NATO leader who has spent more on defense.

After all, Stoltenberg himself told AFP on Monday that Rutte was a “good friend and colleague.”

He added, “He is a capable politician and has great experience as prime minister. But I will not decide who will succeed me.”

With information from AFP via APE-MPE/MAR.MI
Athens, Greece

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