NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will retire at the end of September. The military alliance is therefore looking for a suitable successor.
Mark Rutte’s name often falls, including in foreign media. “Whether he actually becomes one will largely depend on Rutte himself,” says Hammelburg. “Rutte has often said that he’s not interested in him.” But the foreign commentator thinks that if he is called into question, he might change his mind.
‘Rutte also maintains excellent contact with US President Joe Biden. He’s good in that respect.’ The United States plays an important role in selecting a NATO leader.
Feith also thinks Rutte would be a good candidate. “He is eloquent and can radiate unity and solidarity to the international press”. According to Feith, what can argue against our prime minister is that Jaap de Hoop Scheffer was already Dutch between 2004 and 2009.
Dragons or Free Land?
Other candidates mentioned by the two include Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Hammelburg: ‘She has Ukrainian origins. It could be an advantage or a disadvantage’ And Ben Wallace, the British defense minister, also seems to him a very serious candidate. Just like the former Italian premier Mario Draghi. Seems like a sensible choice to me. Even if he is a little older ».
‘Draghi made me wise choices. He’s a little older though.”
In any case, the new candidate will lead an alliance that has regained relevance with the war in Ukraine. “Someone who is his general secretary and therefore the civilian leadership really has a very important function,” says Hammelburg. “Mail is much more important than it has been in recent years.”