BRUSSELS: NATO will officially appoint outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance’s next Secretary General on Wednesday, following unanimous approval from ambassadors representing all 32 member countries, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.
Several diplomats from NATO member states confirmed that Rutte, endorsed strongly by the United States, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg when his tenure concludes on October 1.
Mark Rutte, 57, emerged as the sole contender to lead the Western military alliance last week after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew from the race. Rutte, who has led the Netherlands for nearly 14 years, is nearing the end of his tenure as Dutch Prime Minister.
The appointment of Rutte comes at a critical juncture for NATO, as the incoming Secretary General will navigate complex geopolitical challenges, including the aftermath of Russia’s ongoing aggression towards Ukraine. Additionally, the potential return of former US President Donald Trump following the November elections adds further layers of uncertainty and strategic considerations for the alliance.
