Mark Rutte Appointed NATO Chief: What To Know About the New Leader of Military Alliance

Brussels: After Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, stepped down on Tuesday from his position at NATO, former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte took charge as the chief of military alliance confronts some of the biggest challenges in its history.

Mark Rutte who recently quit as the longest serving Prime Minister of Netherlands said that his priorities would be NATO's support for Ukraine, with the war now in its third year, increasing defence spending and strengthening partnerships that the alliance has established with other countries around the world, notably in Asia and the Middle East.

“Cannot Wait To Get To Work”

Former Dutch PM Rutte said that he "cannot wait to get to work.” After hundreds of NATO staffers applauded him and Jens Stoltenberg,  as they moved inside to the great hall where North Atlantic Council meetings are held at the level of ambassadors, ministers or leaders, Stoltenberg helped his successor to get started by presenting him with a Viking gavel to use when chairing meetings.

Praising Rutte, a visibly emotional Stoltenberg said, "Mark has the perfect background to become a great secretary general."

"He has served as prime minister for 14 years and led four different coalition governments, so therefore he knows how to make compromises, create consensus, and these are skills which are very much valued here at NATO,” Stoltenberg said.

Rutte Praises Trump For His Views Over NATO Spending

Surveys suggest the US election in November will be a close race. It could see the return of Donald Trump , whose bluster during his last term of office about low defence spending among European allies and Canada undermined the trust of NATO member countries.

It became an existential challenge, as smaller members feared that the US under Trump would renege on NATO's security pledge that all countries must to come to the rescue of any ally in trouble, the foundation stone the alliance is built on.

But Rutte said: “I know both candidates very well.” He praised Trump for pushing NATO allies to spend more and for toughening their approach toward China. He also hailed the “fantastic record” of Vice President Kamala Harris and described her as “a highly respected leader.” “I will be able to work with both. Whatever is the outcome of the election."

Rutte becomes NATO's top civilian official as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches the 1,000-day mark.

“There can be no lasting security in Europe without a strong, independent Ukraine,” he said in his first speech on taking office, and he affirmed a commitment made by the organisation's leaders in 2008 that “Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO.” 

Mark Rutte: Longest Serving PM of Netherland

Rutte served as Prime Minister of the Netherlands for nearly 14 years, from October 2010 to July 2024. Throughout this period, he led four coalition governments, demonstrating his skill in building consensus while staying true to his principles.

He is the longest-serving Prime Minister in Dutch history. During his time in office, Rutte guided the Netherlands through several major national and global challenges, including the economic crisis, the coronavirus pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine.