Stoltenberg Names Dutch PM Most Likely Future NATO Secretary General For First Time

• 19.06.2024, 0:52

NATO countries are very close to deciding on the next secretary-general.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has admitted for the first time that Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has the best chance of becoming the Alliance's next Secretary General.

During the briefing, Stoltenberg said that he considers it obvious that NATO countries are very close to NATO's decision to elect the next Secretary General.

Thus he commented on Hungary's announcement that Budapest no longer opposes Rutte's candidacy.

He emphasised that Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has a lot of experience as head of government and called him a "very good candidate".

"He is a close friend and colleague of mine. And that's why I believe that the Alliance will decide very soon on my successor. This will be good for all of us, for NATO and also for me," the Alliance Secretary General stated.