Mark Rutte, the Netherlands’ departing prime minister, is on track to become NATO’s next secretary general following the withdrawal of Romania’s candidate.
On Thursday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis ended his bid for the position, paving the way for Mr. Rutte’s likely election to a four-year term leading the 32-member Atlantic alliance. This decision is expected to be formalized soon, potentially before a major NATO summit in Washington in July.
Rutte, 57, who has served as the Dutch prime minister since 2010, will be the fourth Dutch official to hold the role of NATO’s top diplomat. Although his formal assumption of the position may not occur immediately due to his current responsibilities in the Netherlands’ transitional government, NATO’s outgoing secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, is anticipated to continue until his term concludes in October.
Throughout his tenure, Rutte has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, overseeing over $3 billion in Dutch military aid since the conflict with Russia began in February 2022. He has consistently emphasized the broader implications of the conflict for European security.
“This war is not simply about defending the freedom of the Ukrainian people; it is also about protecting the freedom and security of the Netherlands,” Mr. Rutte stated on his government’s website.
Despite his strong stance on Russia, Mr. Rutte is viewed as a moderate choice for the NATO role, balancing the alliance’s internal dynamics without leaning heavily towards any particular faction. Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary general, highlighted Rutte’s ability to maintain consensus among allies as a key strength, noting, “He was never the guy who was difficult on anything, but always very supportive of NATO.”
Rutte’s candidacy had faced potential opposition due to his previous criticism of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, particularly over Hungary’s controversial policies on L.G.B.T. rights. In 2021, Rutte suggested that Hungary’s stance was incompatible with E.U. values, leading to tension between the two leaders. However, Mr. Orbán has recently withdrawn his objections, facilitating broader support for Rutte’s NATO bid.
In a conciliatory letter to Mr. Orbán, Rutte expressed a commitment to unity within NATO, stating, “My priority in a possible future capacity as NATO secretary general will be to maintain unity and treat allies with the same level of understanding and respect.”
As part of his efforts to secure the role, Rutte has received endorsements from key NATO members and has aligned his candidacy with significant military and diplomatic priorities, including enhanced support for Ukraine. Romania’s withdrawal and endorsement of Rutte, coupled with its commitment to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, underscore the strategic considerations influencing NATO’s leadership decisions.
Rutte’s personal background includes a longstanding interest in classical music and modern bands like U2, and a preference for a modest lifestyle, still residing in a home he bought as a student.
His upcoming role as NATO secretary general marks a new chapter in his career, reflecting his dedication to transatlantic security and cooperative defense strategies amid evolving global challenges.
