Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has announced he no longer opposes Mark Rutte's candidacy for NATO's new secretary-general. With Hungary's veto lifted, the Dutch Prime Minister

is now set to lead the alliance.

The appointment of a new secretary-general requires unanimous consent from all 31 member states. Hungary had been the main obstacle to Rutte's appointment, succeeding Norway's Jens Stoltenberg.

Orban stated that Rutte assured him Hungary would not be obligated to participate in NATO activities in Ukraine or contribute personnel or funds if he becomes NATO chief. "In view of this commitment, Hungary is ready to support him," Orban said on X.

Previously, Orban had requested an apology from Rutte for a 2021 remark suggesting that Hungary "does not belong in the EU" if it passed a controversial law violating LGBTQIA+ rights. Although Rutte did not apologize, he emphasized that as NATO chief, he would strive to "maintain unity and treat all allies with the same level of understanding and respect."

Only Romania Remains

With Hungary's support secured, Romania is the last obstacle to Rutte's appointment. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has also been a candidate to succeed Stoltenberg, but lacks support from other countries. Dutch public broadcaster NOS reports that Iohannis will soon withdraw his candidacy.

"I think it is now clear that we are very close to a solution," said current Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday. "This is good news. I think Mark Rutte is a very strong candidate. He has a lot of experience as a prime minister."

Rutte's appointment could happen soon, as the United States aims to expedite the process. President Joe Biden wants Rutte to be the next secretary-general by July, in time for the NATO summit in Washington. Photo by © European Union, 2024, Wikimedia commons.