New NATO chief Rutte warns Putin's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine

The newspaper points out that both the term "Mister Everyman"—meaning an ordinary person, one of us—and "Teflon Mark," or "Houdini prime minister," or "the Trump whisperer" apply to Rutte.

"If necessary, the new NATO chief will even come to terms with Donald Trump. However, he has been convinced for a decade that one cannot come to terms with Russia," writes "Plus Minus." The article emphasizes that in the NATO context, Rutte's views on security and defense issues are most important and exciting.

It is noted that Rutte is perceived as a consensus builder. "The Secretary-General is a specific role in which all of Rutte's qualities, sometimes seen as opportunism by some, will prove to be great. If Jens Stoltenberg, considered to be an excellent NATO chief in difficult times, is a point of reference, then undoubtedly the ability to get along with everyone is key," assesses "Plus Minus."

"Plus Minus" notes that if Donald Trump returns to the White House, another skill of Rutte, sometimes called the "Trump whisperer," will be useful. It adds that when Trump yelled at Europeans in July 2018 for not investing enough in defense and said the USA might withdraw its security guarantees, Rutte thanked Trump for "opening their eyes," adding that Trump was right in his opinions. "Trump sat as if mesmerized," the newspaper recalls.

At the same time, it points out that "Rutte's method is not just about nodding in agreement" and that the Dutchman managed to oppose Trump during a 2018 White House visit when the conversation turned to a trade deal with the EU. The newspaper also notes that Rutte is respected in the USA for understanding the threat from China and, in his actions, being ready to go further than the entire EU.

The newspaper emphasizes that "For years, there has been no doubt that Rutte has no illusions on this matter, considers Russia a great threat, and insists that Ukraine must be armed."