NATO announced earlier today that is has selected Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as its next Secretary General. Rutte will replace current Secretary General and former Prime Minister of Norway Jens Stoltenberg starting October 1. After the collapse of his political coalition, Rutte announced in July 2023 he would be leaving Dutch politics.
Following the announcement, Rutte said the appointment was an honor, and praised Stoltenberg’s leadership, stating on X:
It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO. The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organisation is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I’m grateful to all the Allies for placing their trust in me. I look forward to taking up the position with great vigour in October, as successor to @jensstoltenberg, who has provided NATO with outstanding leadership for the past 10 years, and for whom I have always had great admiration.
Stoltenberg expressed approval for his successor, saying Rutte was a strong leader and wished him success, stating on X:
I warmly welcome #NATO Allies’ choice of @MinPres Mark Rutte as my successor. Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader and a consensus-builder. I wish him every success as we continue to strengthen NATO. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands.
