Mark Rutte Set to Lead NATO as Sole Candidate After Romanian Opposition Withdraws

Mark Rutte, the outgoing Prime Minister of the Netherlands, is poised to become the next Secretary General of NATO, following the withdrawal of his last remaining competitor, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. Rutte, known for his strong support of Ukraine and critical stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin, has garnered the unanimous support of all 32 NATO member states. His candidacy was solidified after Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban dropped his opposition, following Rutte's assurances regarding military alliance plans. Rutte's expected leadership comes at a critical time for NATO, as he brings a reputation for consensus-building from over a decade in Dutch politics. His term as NATO chief is anticipated to begin in October, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, and marks a significant moment in the alliance's history amidst ongoing global tensions.