Major NATO nations endorse Dutch PM Rutte as new chief

Major NATO countries, including the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have endorsed the acting Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, as the new Secretary General of NATO. The White House has expressed that Rutte would be an ‘excellent’ leader of the defense alliance. France supports Rutte as well, with an anonymous French official stating President Emmanuel Macron has long favored Rutte for the position. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed support, citing Rutte’s vast experience and strong diplomatic skills. Rutte, who has shown interest in the role, is considered a favorite, with years of international experience as a prime minister. The current Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, is set to step down by autumn after ten years. Rutte has the backing of about 20 NATO members so far, with appointments made by consensus among all 31 member states.