Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 10:10
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is the new Secretary General of NATO as of this Tuesday. The new political head of the Alliance will have “as a top priority” support for Ukraine against Russia and will focus on strengthening collective defense and capacity, with more military spending by the allies. “We must also work to expand our partners in the east,” Rutte stressed. The Dutchman has expressed concern about the escalation of violence in Lebanon and has assured that NATO is working with its partners to call for diplomatic dialogue and a ceasefire.
In June, the allies appointed Mark Rutte as successor to the Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, after ten years in office. Of the Dutch politician, his predecessor said that “he is a strong leader and creator of consensus. “I know that I leave NATO in good hands.” This same Tuesday, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wished Rutte luck. «Your leadership will be crucial in determining the Alliance’s role in our security and in supporting Ukraine. Let us further strengthen the alliance between the European Union and NATO,” the German politician wrote on her X account – formerly Twitter -.
Rutte was the clear favorite to occupy the position, from the beginning of the process. It had the support of the United States and the United Kingdom from the first moment; and finally achieved the support of Slovakia and Hungary, after assuring in a letter to Viktor Orbán that he would respect the country’s decision not to participate in sending weapons to kyiv and in the training of Ukrainian soldiers.
The liberal has extensive political experience after almost fourteen years at the head of the Dutch Government. The leaders have always highlighted their ability to generate consensus and diplomatic spirit, qualities that will be key in the negotiations to strengthen NATO. One of Rutte’s challenges will be to maintain investments in Defense and increase them to face the potential threat that Russia may pose.
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