A Norwegian politician who has been moving NATO efficiently for 10 years has already twice reported his willingness to leave. However, he had to stay due to the fact that 32 countries of the alliance could not agree on the successor's candidacy (this must happen unanimously).
The election of the head of the Dutch government was yet opposed only by Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, whose president Klaus Werner Iohannis besides wanted to become Secretary General. Eventually, on June 18, Bratislava and Budapest supported Mark Rutte. Viktor Orbán was promised that Hungary would not gotta participate in the North Atlantic Pact for Ukraine's benefit beyond the alliance's borders. 2 days later, Bucharest besides expressed support for Mark Rutte, after Klaus Werner Iohannis withdrew his candidacy. It did not stand a chance, like any another politician, due to the fact that the Prime Minister of the Netherlands is supported by Washington, which is crucial. There were voices in Brussels that the alliance should yet be headed by a female or politician from Central and east Europe. The Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas was pointed out, but she did not stand a chance either, as east politicians are considered in Washington, Berlin, Brussels and another western capitals to be besides "jaster" against Moscow. The success of the Dutch Prime Minister did not surprise anyone. Rutte has been at the head of his country's government for almost 14 years, they call him "Teflon Mark" due to the fact that he was able to get out of many scandals and oppressions. The leader of the Liberal People's organization for Freedom and Democracy led various government coalitions. A good negotiator, he is known for his juvalious, skillful political style. 1 Dutch writer maliciously wrote, “Rutte is like a Labrador with a happy tail that no 1 can be angry at.”
Trump Whisperer
The Prime Minister of the Netherlands is besides called Trump's whisperer, as he can handle this eccentric politician from the US. In July 2018, during a summit meeting, president Trump ruthlessly criticized another NATO states for failing to keep their commitments to the alliance and spending besides small in defence. He threatened that if this did not change, “the United States will go their way.” Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron tried to explain the origin of this situation, but it was only Rutte who said that the NATO countries were already expanding their defence spending, and this should be due only to the American President.
Perhaps in the fall the erratic Trump will take over again. Then the “curser” as the general secretary of the alliance will be very useful.
Mark Rutte was in the past in the heat of criticism especially of the leaders of Central and east Europe, as he was a supporter of building the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and the Netherlands, for his rule, could not accomplish the NATO level of defence spending of 2% of GDP (they will not do so until this year). However, commentators indicate that the Netherlands powerfully supports Ukraine, provides its war equipment, including F-16 fighters, has so far spent EUR 2.63 billion in military aid for Kiev, and will add 2 billion in 2024. Mark Rutte changed his policy towards Moscow in 2014, after pro-Russian separatists shot down a passenger plane over Ukraine. 298 people were killed, including 196 Dutch citizens.
NATO's fresh secretary-general is waiting for serious tasks. The alliance must proceed to support Kiev without getting active in the war with Russia. 9 countries of the Pact inactive neglect to meet their commitments and do not spend 2% of GDP on defence.
