Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to be new NATO chief

(Patria) - The Romanian president has withdrawn from the race for the future Secretary General of NATO, leaving the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to lead the world's largest military organization starting in October.

The office of President Klaus Iohannis stated in a press release that the Romanian Security Council has supported Rutte's candidacy. It is also emphasized that NATO informed Iohannis late last week that he intended to withdraw, reports VOA.

His withdrawal removes the last real obstacle Rutte faces. This should allow NATO to show unity and demonstrate solidarity with war-torn Ukraine when US President Joe Biden and his colleagues meet in Washington from July 9-11 to mark NATO's 75th anniversary.

Rutte's appointment could be confirmed by a meeting of NATO ambassadors in the coming days or by leaders when they meet in Washington. He would officially start his term on October 1.

NATO Secretaries General are responsible for chairing meetings and conducting sometimes delicate consultations among the 32 member countries to ensure that the consensus-based organization can continue to function.

Hungary lifted its veto on Rutte's candidacy on Tuesday after the long-serving Dutch prime minister gave written guarantees that he would not force Budapest to participate in the military alliance's new plans to support Ukraine if he were appointed.

NATO makes all its decisions by consensus, giving any of the 32 member countries an effective veto, including whether they should participate in any joint effort or operation.

Turkey also expressed opposition to Rutte's candidacy, but withdrew its objections in April.

Rutte has been the preferred candidate of most NATO allies for months, including major members like the US and Germany.

In office for a decade, outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has been a steady hand at the helm of NATO and has proven difficult to replace.

Biden and NATO leaders were supposed to appoint a successor when they met in Lithuania in July 2023, but there was no consensus on a replacement.

At the White House on Monday, Biden joked that he wished the former Norwegian prime minister would stay longer, although Stoltenberg made it clear that he would leave office this time after several mandate extensions.

- I think honestly, you've been great. I just wish you would extend your term for another 10 years - Biden said.

Iohannis is at the end of his second five-year term as President of Romania and announced his intention to run in March.

Romania, a NATO member since 2004, borders Ukraine and has played an increasingly prominent role in the Alliance throughout the Russian invasion, including hosting a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in November 2022.