Biden backs Dutch PM Rutte for upcoming NATO Secretary General role, says U.S. official
"President Biden is highly supportive of Rutte's candidacy for the next Secretary General of NATO," announced the U.S. government representative.
9:54 AM EST, February 22, 2024
Rutte, who holds the record for being the longest-serving prime minister of the Netherlands, caused surprise when he announced his retirement from domestic politics in July last year. He will remain in office until the conclusion of coalition negotiations following the parliamentary elections on November 22 and until a new government is appointed.
Extension of Stoltenberg's Term
Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, who has been Secretary General of NATO since 2014, is scheduled to step down at the end of September 2024. Technically, his second term was supposed to end in 2022. Still, it was prolonged due to Russia's attack on Ukraine and the absence of a consensus among member countries about his successor.
Earlier, the then-British Defense Secretary, Ben Wallace, was considered a top contender for the position. However, the government in London did not believe it could garner support for him from all member countries.
Looking at potential candidates, the Estonian Prime Minister, Kallas, is another name frequently echoed.
