NATO has appointed the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its next secretary-general, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, Associated Press reports.
Stoltenberg, who has been in the role for over a decade with extended mandates for continuity during the Ukraine conflict, expressed confidence in Rutte’s leadership abilities. Rutte will lead NATO during a critical time for European security amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. As secretary-general, Rutte will chair meetings, facilitate consensus among member countries, ensure decisions are executed, and represent the organization publicly.
His appointment comes after overcoming several obstacles, including objections from Hungary and Turkey, which were lifted following agreements. Rutte was the sole candidate for the position after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew his candidacy.
