The United States, the United Kingdom and Germany have formally endorsed the Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, as the next secretary general of Nato. The backing comes at a time when the alliance is confronting major challenges arising from Russia’s war in Ukraine and renewed questions about the durability of American commitment to the transatlantic relationship.
A US official said President Joe Biden “strongly endorses” Rutte’s candidacy, while a UK official confirmed that London “strongly backs” him to succeed Jens Stoltenberg, adding that Rutte is “well respected across the alliance” and has “serious defence and security credentials”. The German government also voiced support, with a spokesperson saying Chancellor Olaf Scholz backed the Dutch leader’s bid.
Rutte, one of Europe’s longest-serving heads of government, has been prime minister since 2010 and is seen as a safe pair of hands. At the Munich Security Conference over the weekend, he made a thinly veiled campaign declaration, urging members to “stop moaning and whining and nagging about Trump” and to work with whoever is “on the dancefloor”. His remarks reflect concerns among European allies about the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House.
However, a senior diplomat cautioned that Rutte’s candidacy was not yet a done deal, noting that endorsement by major powers does not guarantee unanimous support. Turkey and Hungary, which have delayed key Nato decisions in recent months, have yet to state their position. Meanwhile, some officials had hoped for a female leader or a candidate from the alliance’s eastern flank, but Rutte’s extensive experience and connections appear to have consolidated backing among key members.
