Amid Ukraine War, NATO Picks Fierce Putin Critic & Dutch PM Mark Rutte As Next Boss

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg with the man who will succeed him.
The group has selected Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as NATO's next boss. Stoltenberg, who has helmed the grouping for a decade, will hand over to Rutte on the first of October.

He will take charge at a time when the war in Ukraine rages on its doorstep and uncertainty hangs over the United States' future attitude to the transatlantic alliance.

Rutte's appointment became a formality after his only rival for the post, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, announced last week that he had quit the race, having failed to gain traction.

After declaring his interest in the post last year, Rutte gained early support from key members of the alliance including the United States, Britain, France and Germany.

Others were more reticent, particularly Eastern European countries which argued the post should go to someone from their region for the first time.

But they ultimately rowed in behind Rutte, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a staunch ally of Ukraine.

Byte: Mark Rutte, Dutch Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General-designate

"We must stop the Russian aggression, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's aggression. Together with our partners and allies, united, determined, in solidarity. That is the only way."

Stoltenberg said he warmly welcomed the selection of Rutte as his successor.

"Mark is a true transatlanticist, a strong leader, and a consensus-builder. I know I am leaving NATO in good hands"

NATO takes decisions by consensus. So Rutte, who is bowing out of Dutch politics after nearly 14 years as prime minister, could only be confirmed once all 32 alliance members gave him their backing.

Rutte will face the challenge of sustaining allies' support for Ukraine's fight against Russia's invasion. He also needs to guard against NATO being drawn directly into a war with Moscow.

He will also have to contend with the possibility that NATO-skeptic Donald Trump may return to the White House after November's U.S. presidential election.

Trump's possible return has unnerved NATO leaders as the Republican former president called into question U.S. willingness to support other members of the alliance if they were attacked.

You can also click and buy a YouTube Super Thanks(the heart icon where you liked this video), which directly supports StratNewsGlobal, with 70% of your chosen amount.

Leave your comments, questions, and feedback. Like and share our videos. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Click on the 🔔icon to get notified of our latest uploads.

Item Title: Dramatic
Item ID: 5Q9GXH2
Author Username: alexbird
Licensee: SNI Wire
Registered Project Name: Amid Ukraine War, NATO Picks Fierce Putin Critic & Dutch PM Mark Rutte As Next Boss
License Date: June 26th, 2024
Item License Code: R8AXQCNZTB

[jacobknelsen]

I 'm really starting to love NATO😘❤👍

[e.mdigangwa]

Rutte with Biden or any one from Bidens party