The final obstacle to his candidacy was swept away on Thursday, according to a press release from the office of the Romanian President, Klaus Iohannis, announcing that Romania was endorsing the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for NATO Secretary General. Iohannis himself had been mentioned in the list of candidates, but the statement stunned all by adding that he had withdrawn his candidacy at the end of last week.
The same day, Romania's Defence announced to the Supreme Council of National that Rutte's candidacy enjoys the support. That now means all of the 32 are behind him, as he needs unanimous approval from the alliance members. Just earlier this week, Hungary and Slovakia had also promised to back Rutte after a summit of European Union leaders.
The current NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, is supposed to step down on October 1. In Washington Tuesday, Stoltenberg said during an appearance at the Norwegian Embassy, "I think it's obvious that we are very close to a conclusion in the alliance, for allies to select the next secretary general. And I think that's good news."
Romania voted against Rutte because first, the head of state in the country is Iohannis, and second, somewhere along the line, Hungary had opposed his candidacy.
The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, dropped his objections on Tuesday, writing on X, "Hungary stands ready to endorse PM Rutte's candidacy to become the next NATO Secretary General," as he published a letter from Rutte containing a commitment to an agreement Orban had with Stoltenberg that ensured that he would not be obliged to contribute to Ukraine's war effort.
In the Tuesday letter, Rutte admitted to his comments made back in 2021 that discontent was caused in Hungary. He underlined that his presidency, as NATO Secretary General, shall be toward unity and respect for all allies.
The government of Orban has also come under revived criticism from EU leaders over the hollowing out of the rule of law in Hungary. Rulings against Budapest were made at the European Union courts.
The two met Monday in Brussels before EU leaders' dinner and Rutte said he will shortly send a letter to Orban. He said to journalists Orban had not insisted on an apology and they discussed the future.
Slovakia's new president Peter Pellegrini sided with Rutte Monday in Brussels, the national news agency TASR reported.
Stoltenberg came out to defend Rutte on Tuesday, saying, "I think Mark Rutte is a very strong candidate. He has great experience as a Prime Minister; he is also a close friend and colleague. Therefore, I strongly believe that really soon, the Alliance will have chosen my successor, and that will be good for all of us, for NATO, and also good for me."
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