Now that Sweden’s accession to NATO has finally been completed, the military alliance is threatened with the next blockade by Hungary. Current Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is considered the favorite in the race for the post of NATO Secretary General. The term of Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg expires in the autumn. But the government in Budapest has now made it clear: “We do not support his election.”
“We certainly cannot support the election of someone as NATO Secretary General who previously wanted to bring Hungary to its knees. It would be very strange if the candidacy of such a person were supported by the Hungarian government,” Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto said in Budapest on Tuesday.
Rutte needs approval from all members
Rutte had strongly advocated for the EU to freeze billions of euros in funds over concerns about the state of the rule of law in Hungary. For an appointment as NATO Secretary General, Rutte needs the consent of all NATO states, including Hungary. His candidacy is mainly supported by Germany, Great Britain and the United States.
“With his vast experience, his great expertise in the field of security policy and his strong diplomatic skills, Mark Rutte is an excellent candidate for the position of Secretary General of NATO,” German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit praised the Dutchman last week.
Romania apparently wants to nominate opposing candidates
But Rutte does not only have opponents in Hungary. Apparently Romania wants to nominate its President Klaus Johannis as a new candidate. However, no official statements have been made about this so far. Other Eastern European allies also want a successor to Stoltenberg from their ranks. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is also said to have ambitions.
Source: Krone
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