📷 Image Credits: The Times of India
The outgoing Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, has been formally selected as the next NATO secretary general, the military alliance announced Wednesday. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as NATO grapples with boosting its own security while supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia. Rutte’s new role will commence on October 1, succeeding incumbent NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. With a reputation for being a strong leader and a consensus-builder, Rutte expressed his gratitude to NATO allies for their trust in him. In light of the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Rutte, emphasizing his strong leadership qualities. As the new NATO chief, Rutte’s responsibilities will include chairing major committees, acting as a spokesperson, and leading the organization’s international staff. He will inherit an alliance that is working to strengthen its security measures while also providing support to Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Rutte has been a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a staunch supporter of Ukraine. His appointment comes during a challenging period for NATO amidst the ongoing conflict and the upcoming American presidential election that could potentially bring a different attitude towards the alliance. With Rutte set to take on this critical role, NATO aims to bolster security measures and ensure the protection of people and freedom across the Euro-Atlantic community.
