BUDAPEST: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced on Tuesday his country’s endorsement of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s candidacy for NATO Secretary General, marking a significant shift in Hungary’s stance after initial reservations.
Orban’s declaration of support came following a meeting with Rutte on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Orban confirmed Hungary’s readiness to back Rutte’s bid, effectively removing a major obstacle in Rutte’s path to leading the trans-Atlantic defense alliance. Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis remains the sole other candidate for the position.
“All other 31 NATO countries appear ready to support PM Rutte,” Orban’s statement read, emphasizing the broad consensus among NATO members in favor of Rutte’s nomination. The Dutch Prime Minister’s candidacy requires unanimous approval from all allies.
Orban highlighted that his decision was contingent on Rutte’s assurance to uphold an agreement reached last week with current NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. This agreement pertains to NATO’s role in coordinating arms deliveries to Ukraine, a sensitive issue amidst ongoing conflict in the region. Orban specified that Hungary would not obstruct NATO’s plans but would not contribute militarily to the initiative.
“Our next step this week was to ensure that this agreement can stand the test of time,” Orban affirmed, underscoring the importance of maintaining diplomatic agreements within the alliance.
In a letter accompanying Orban’s announcement, Rutte acknowledged past criticisms he had made about Orban’s government in 2021, expressing a commitment to unity and equitable treatment of all NATO allies. Rutte’s willingness to address past tensions and pledge to foster unity within NATO were noted as crucial steps towards securing broader support for his candidacy.
Media reports from Slovakia indicated that President Peter Pellegrini’s endorsement of Rutte was influenced by Dutch assistance in securing air defense equipment, further bolstering Rutte’s candidacy.
NATO diplomats expect an announcement from Romania’s President Iohannis soon regarding his withdrawal from the race, paving the way for Rutte to potentially assume office on October 1, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg.
