What to know about Mark Rutte, new NATO secretary-general
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Mark Rutte on June 17 in Brussels, Belgium. Photo: Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was officially named the next secretary-general of NATO on Wednesday.
Why it matters: Norway's Jens Stoltenberg has led the alliance for the past decade. Stoltenberg shepherded NATO's expansion and championed support for Ukraine after Russia's invasion of the country.
The big picture: Rutte will assume the position on Oct. 1, when Stoltenberg's term expires.
- "It's a tremendous honor to be appointed Secretary-General of NATO," Rutte said on X. "The Alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security. Leading this organization is a responsibility I do not take lightly."
- Stoltenberg previously called Rutte a "very strong candidate" and a "close friend," Reuters reported.
Rutte's background
Rutte, 57, became the Netherlands' prime minister in 2010.
- He has been the leader of his center-right VVD party since 2006. He had also served as State Secretary for Education, Culture and Science under the previous prime minister.
- Rutte has been praised for his everyman style, often cycling to work and wearing casual clothes, Politico reported.
- Rutte has long been a strong supporter of Ukraine, having overseen more than €3 billion ($3.2 billion) of aid to the embattled country since Russia's invasion.
How he clinched the job
The race to choose the next NATO chief was extremely drawn out, with Stoltenberg's term being extended multiple times.
- Rutte cleared major hurdles to the post after both Hungary and Slovakia signaled their support.
- This left Romania as the sole holdout, whose President Klaus Iohannis was the only other candidate left running against Rutte.
- But on June 20, Iohannis formally endorsed Rutte for the job, according to a statement from his office.
Top challenges he will face
As NATO chief, Rutte will continue to guide the alliance's support for Ukraine as its war with Russia grinds on.
- He will also have to continue contending with the internal tensions inside NATO that often pose challenges when it comes to providing aid to Ukraine or expanding the alliance.
- And by taking office just a month ahead of the U.S. election, Rutte will be in charge of preparing NATO for the possible return of former President Trump — an avowed NATO-skeptic — to office.
Go deeper: NATO plots Trump survival strategy on its 75th birthday
Editor's note: This story has been updated with Rutte's official appointment. Axios' April Rubin contributed.
