Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been elected as the new NATO Secretary General, reports Reuters.
According to the media, NATO allies on Wednesday, June 26, elected Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next NATO Secretary General, "as the war in Ukraine rages on its doorstep."
"Rutte's appointment became a formality after his only rival for the post, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, announced last week that he had quit the race, having failed to gain traction," the article adds.
Appointment of Rutte
Back in November 2023, Politico reported that Mark Rutte was considered the favorite for the position of the new NATO chief. However, journalists noted that his candidacy faced opposition in the United States.
The reason cited was the insufficient spending by his government on the defense of the Alliance. Additionally, the argument that " it's time for a woman at the top" also worked against Rutte.
But on June 25, the media reported that Rutte's appointment would be announced on June 26. Mark Rutte will replace Jens Stoltenberg in his position.