Nato released a statement stating, “The North Atlantic Council decided to appoint Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg.”
Rutte is scheduled to succeed Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, following his nomination by major powers, led by the United States, ahead of an upcoming Nato summit in Washington, according to the statement.
“I warmly welcome Nato Allies’ choice of Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder,” Stoltenberg said on social media after Nato ambassadors approved the appointment.
“I know I am leaving Nato in good hands,” he added.
Rutte, a seasoned Dutch leader whose 14-year tenure in charge of the Netherlands is concluding soon, is viewed as a steady figure capable of guiding the 75-year-old alliance through challenging times.
After being elected as the new chief, Rutte took his X account and said that he is greateful that the alliance chose him.
“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me,” Rutte added.
He faces dual challenges of a potential return of former US President Donald Trump to the White House and the ongoing threat posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the collapse of his coalition last year, Rutte navigated diplomatic hurdles to secure support from reluctant Nato allies such as Turkey and Hungary, ultimately winning the top job after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew from the race last week.
As a staunch supporter of Ukraine, Rutte has advocated for providing Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets to counter Russia‘s invasion. In his role as Nato chief, he will play a crucial role in rallying allies to continue supporting Ukraine while carefully managing Kyiv’s aspirations to join Nato.
Beyond the United States, political uncertainty looms in other key Nato countries like France ahead of pivotal elections.
“From his many years in Dutch politics and on the international stage, Rutte is an adroit balancer of political relationships,” said Philippe Dickinson from the Atlantic Council think tank.
“This political savvy will be put to the test to an unprecedented extent in the years ahead.”
Rutte aims to build on Stoltenberg’s legacy of unity and strength during Nato’s most consequential decade since the Cold War. The former Norwegian prime minister earned praise for his steadfast leadership during tumultuous times.
(With inputs from agencies)