The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, has made a significant decision, announcing his withdrawal from the race for the position of NATO Secretary General.
Reuters reported on June 20, citing the country’s Supreme Council of National Defense’s statement that the Romanian leader notified NATO of his withdrawal last week.
Signaling a strategic shift, Romania has decided to support Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s candidacy for the NATO Secretary General post. Prior to this, Romania was the only country among the 32 NATO member states that did not support the 57-year-old Dutch leader. Additionally, Romania has agreed to provide Ukraine with a Patriot missile system on the condition that allies replace it with a similar air defense system.
Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the North Atlantic Alliance is close to agreeing on the candidacy of a new Secretary General. He noted that Rutte could be the candidate.
Rutte’s candidacy for the position of NATO Secretary General is a priority after receiving support from the United States. Rutte’s election does not bode well for Russia, as the Prime Minister holds anti-Russian views similar to those of Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg’s term, which has led the military-political bloc since 2014, ends in October 2024.
