Rutte unwanted

NATO: Hungary threatens next blockade

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán does not want to see the Dutchman Mark Rutte at the head of NATO.(Bild: APA/AFP/STEPHANIE LECOCQ)

Now that Sweden's accession to NATO has finally been signed and sealed, the military alliance is threatened with the next blockade by Hungary. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is still in office, is considered the favorite in the race for the post of NATO Secretary General. Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg's term of office expires in the fall. However, the government in Budapest has now made it clear: "We do not support his election."

"We certainly cannot support the election of a person as NATO Secretary General who previously wanted to bring Hungary to its knees. It would be very strange if the candidacy of such a person were to be supported by the Hungarian government," said Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjárto in Budapest on Tuesday. 

Rutte needs the approval of all members
Rutte had campaigned strongly for the EU to freeze billions in funds due to concerns about the state of the rule of law in Hungary. However, Rutte needs the approval of all NATO countries, including Hungary, to be appointed NATO Secretary General. His candidacy is primarily supported by Germany, the UK and the USA.

Successor sought for Jens Stoltenberg: Is a dispute including post haggling now breaking out in NATO?(Bild: APA/AFP/JOHN THYS)

"With his immense experience, his great expertise in security policy and his strong diplomatic skills, Mark Rutte is an outstanding candidate for the post of NATO Secretary General," said German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit last week, praising the Dutchman.

Romania apparently wants to nominate a rival candidate
But it is not only in Hungary that Rutte has opponents. Apparently, Romania wants to put forward its President Klaus Johannis as another candidate. However, there have been no official statements to date. Other Eastern European allies also want a successor to Stoltenberg from their ranks. Estonia's head of government Kaja Kallas is also said to have ambitions.