Andrew Grey
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Nato on Wednesday selected Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its subsequent chief, as battle in Ukraine rages on its doorstep and uncertainty surrounds the way forward for the U.S. strategy to the transatlantic alliance.
Rutte’s appointment turned official after his solely rival, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, introduced final week that he was withdrawing from the race after failing to realize assist.
Rutte will succeed Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, who’s stepping down after ten years in workplace.
The choice was taken at a gathering at NATO headquarters in Brussels by ambassadors from the alliance’s 32 member states.
Rutte mentioned he regarded ahead to taking on the job “with nice power”.
“This alliance is and can proceed to be the cornerstone of our collective safety. Main this group is a accountability I don’t take calmly,” he posted on X.
After asserting his intention to take the job final yr, Rutte secured early assist from key members of the coalition together with the USA, Britain, France and Germany.
Others are extra reticent, particularly these in Jap Europe, who consider the place ought to go to somebody from their area for the primary time.
However they in the end backed Rutte, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a staunch ally of Ukraine.
Stoltenberg mentioned he warmly welcomed Rutte’s choice as his successor.
“Mark is a real transatlanticist, a robust chief and consensus builder,” he mentioned. “I do know I will depart NATO in good arms.”
NATO takes choices by consensus, so Rutte, who quits Dutch politics after practically 14 years as prime minister, can solely be confirmed with the assist of all 32 alliance members.
The problem for Rutte shall be to take care of allies’ assist for Ukraine’s combat in opposition to Russia’s invasion whereas stopping NATO from being drawn instantly right into a battle with Moscow.
He will even need to take care of the likelihood that Donald Trump, who’s skeptical of NATO, might return to the White Home after the US presidential election in November.
Trump’s doable return has unnerved NATO leaders, with the Republican former president questioning the USA’ willingness to assist different members of the alliance if it comes beneath assault.
