Will PM Orbán Stop Mark Rutte from Becoming NATO General Secretary?
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte finds himself in a difficult position as he vies for the role of NATO General Secretary. Previously, Rutte had criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán and Hungary for the erosion of democracy in the country, a move that could now come back to haunt him.
With the current NATO General Secretary, Jens Stoltenberg, set to leave office in October, Rutte and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis are the two candidates competing for the top job. Rutte has managed to secure the support of 28 out of the 32 NATO member states, with his latest trip to Istanbul resulting in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing his backing for Rutte’s bid.
However, Rutte still faces opposition from Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. Despite the Turkish support, it is expected that Iohannis will step down, leaving Slovakia and Hungary as key opponents to Rutte’s candidacy.
The friction between Rutte and Orbán stems from Rutte’s previous criticism of the Hungarian government, accusing them of undermining democracy. Orbán is unlikely to forget such remarks, especially after Rutte’s comments in 2021 about bringing Hungarians to their knees. Orbán’s stance on supporting Rutte remains uncertain.
As the General Secretary of NATO plays a vital role in representing the alliance’s interests and maintaining peace among member states, Rutte will need the support of all NATO members for his appointment. The position requires unanimity in the voting process, making Orbán’s decision crucial in determining the outcome.
It remains to be seen what Orbán stands to gain in exchange for his support of Rutte’s nomination. As tensions escalate in various global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, the role of NATO General Secretary becomes increasingly significant in advocating for peace and cooperation among member states. The outcome of the upcoming NATO leadership election will undoubtedly shape the future direction of the alliance.
