Hungary will support the appointment of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as NATO Secretary-General, according to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Prime Minister Orban reminded that he agreed with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that Hungarian personnel will not participate in "the activities of NATO in Ukraine", and Hungarian funds will not be used to support such initiatives.
Orban added that during yesterday's meeting with Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister confirmed his support for this decision and pledged to adhere to it if he becomes NATO Secretary-General.
"In light of his pledge, Hungary is ready to support PM Rutte’s bid for NATO Secretary-General," stated Orban.
According to him, Rutte also assured that his goal as NATO Secretary-General would be to maintain equal understanding and respect for all allies.
Rutte could become NATO Secretary-General
The term of office of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expires this fall. Therefore, the Alliance is looking for a successor.
The main candidate today is Mark Rutte. His candidacy has received support from the majority of countries. For him to become Secretary-General, full consensus among the 32 NATO member state leaders is required.
Hungary was among the countries that did not support this initiative.
Today, on June 18, in the morning, the media spread information that Rutte reached an agreement with Orban to become Secretary-General. Specifically, he promised to allow Hungary not to participate in supporting Ukraine from the Alliance.
