The North Atlantic Council has selected Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of NATO. Rutte, who has served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010, will assume the role on 1 October 2024, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg.
The North Atlantic Council, the governing body of NATO, has appointed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the next Secretary General of the alliance. Rutte, who has served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010, will assume the role on 1 October 2024, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg.
Mark Rutte Appointed as NATO's Next Secretary General
Rutte's appointment comes at a critical time for NATO. The alliance is facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the rise of China, and the threat of terrorism. Rutte's experience in government and his strong commitment to NATO make him well-suited to lead the alliance through these challenging times.
Rutte was born in The Hague, Netherlands, in 1967. He studied history at the University of Leiden and worked as a marketing consultant before entering politics. He was elected to the Dutch Parliament in 1998 and served as Minister of Education, Culture and Science from 2002 to 2006. In 2010, he was elected Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
Rutte is a member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a conservative liberal party. He is a strong supporter of European integration and has been a vocal critic of populism and extremism.
As Secretary General of NATO, Rutte will be responsible for leading the alliance's political and military activities. He will also be the alliance's main spokesperson and will represent NATO at meetings with other international organizations.
Rutte's appointment has been welcomed by NATO leaders. "Mark Rutte is a strong and experienced leader who will be an excellent Secretary General of NATO," said Stoltenberg. "He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the alliance and is committed to working with all NATO members to address them."
Rutte said he is honored to be appointed as NATO's next Secretary General. "I am committed to working with all NATO members to strengthen the alliance and ensure that it remains the cornerstone of our collective security," he said.
Rutte's appointment is a testament to the strength and unity of NATO. The alliance is facing a number of challenges, but it is well-positioned to meet them with Rutte at the helm.
