Dutch PM Rutte in strong position to become NATO chief after getting US, UK backing

By Andrew Gray and William James

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) -The United States and Britain on Thursday backed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO, putting him in a strong position to clinch the post.

Stoltenberg’s successor when he steps down in October will take office at a crucial juncture, tasked with sustaining NATO members’ support for Ukraine’s costly defence against Russia’s invasion while guarding against any escalation that would draw the alliance directly into a war with Moscow.

“President Biden strongly endorses PM Rutte’s candidacy to be the next Secretary General of NATO,” a U.S. official said.

“PM Rutte has a deep understanding of the importance of the Alliance, is a natural leader and communicator, and his leadership would serve the Alliance well at this critical time.”

Depending on the outcome of November’s U.S. presidential election, the next NATO boss may have to deal with a second term for Donald Trump, who drew fierce criticism from Western officials earlier this month for calling into question his commitment to defending NATO allies if re-elected.

The Netherlands’ longest-serving leader, 57-year-old Rutte has good relationships with the various British and U.S. leaders – including Trump – during his long tenure.

“We have to work with whoever is on the dance floor,” Rutte said on Saturday, urging European leaders to “stop moaning and whining and nagging” about Trump and focus instead on what they could do for Ukraine.

Backing Rutte for the job, the British Foreign Office said on Thursday he was a well-respected figure across NATO with serious defence and security credentials, and someone who would ensure it remained strong and prepared for any need to defend itself.

NATO leaders are appointed by consensus requiring the support – or at the least no opposition – from all its 31 members, meaning Washington and London’s support is crucial but not sufficient.

Two diplomats said Rutte has the backing of about 20 NATO members so far, but another senior diplomat cautioned a deal had not yet been reached and another candidate could still emerge.

FIERCE PUTIN CRITIC

Diplomats have identified Hungary and Turkey as possible holdouts but there was no immediate comment from either country on their positions.

A German government coalition source said Berlin was also expected to back Rutte. But Poland has no position yet, a foreign ministry spokesperson said.

Under Rutte’s leadership Dutch defence spending was cut during years of fiscal austerity. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, however, the Netherlands has increased spending taking them to around 2% of GDP in 2024. Rutte has long been a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Rutte unexpectedly announced his departure from Dutch politics in July, but remains in post as a caretaker leader while coalition negotiations continue following a Nov. 22 election.

Stoltenberg, a former Norwegian prime minister, has served as NATO chief since 2014.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins have also signaled interest for NATO’s top job but not been presented formally as candidates, diplomats say.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, whom some had mentioned as a possible successor, ruled it out on Thursday.

Founded in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union during the Cold War, NATO is a political and military alliance of countries from North America and Europe.

Enshrined in Article 5 of its founding treaty is the principle of collective defence – the idea that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all of them.

Sweden is set to become the Western alliance’s 32nd member.

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