Supporters of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte are working behind the scenes to ensure that his bid to lead NATO is successfully concluded by summer, according to sources familiar with the matter. While Rutte is already the favored candidate to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as Secretary General of NATO when his term ends in October, some countries in Eastern Europe have yet to endorse him.
Rutte, who recently attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, called on European nations to increase their defense spending—a stance that echoes former US President Donald Trump's position. Rutte has also expressed support for US and UK actions against the Houthis earlier this month.
The role of NATO Secretary General will be crucial during the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. The next Secretary General will need to navigate a delicate balance between avoiding direct escalation between NATO and Russia while emphasizing the importance of continued military and financial support for Ukraine, which may face resistance from a war-weary public.
After serving as the Netherlands' longest-serving Prime Minister for 13 years, Rutte is set to step down once a new coalition government is formed, with far-right politician Geert Wilders poised to take over. Rutte, 56, is seen as a candidate who can effectively manage relationships with world leaders, including Trump.
However, while Rutte enjoys broad support from major NATO member countries, his candidacy has yet to receive approval from NATO ambassadors. Some countries from the eastern flank of the alliance are requesting greater representation in senior positions within the organization. In addition, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins expressed interest in the position last year but were not formally nominated.
NATO allies are hopeful to conclude the selection process this spring, to avoid potential complications due to discussions around top jobs following the European Union elections. The decision is expected to be made in time for the NATO leaders' summit in Washington in July.
Rutte was approached twice by the US for the role, according to an anonymous source. He turned down the offer the last time, as he did not anticipate his government collapsing as quickly as it did.
Jens Stoltenberg, who has steered NATO through turbulent times including the Ukraine crisis and the withdrawal from Afghanistan, will step down during the alliance's 75th year, which will be commemorated at the leaders' summit in Washington. Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of the transatlantic alliance in a recent interview, stating his belief that the US would remain a vital ally, regardless of the outcome of the US election.