SWEDEN backs up clamor by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to take over as the new NATO chief.
Jens Stoltenberg, the incumbent Secretary-General of NATO, is set to end his term before the end of the year.
Seen as a steady and patient leader, NATO Allies last year agreed to extend Stoltenberg’s term until October 1, 2024 – a decision he said he felt honored to accept.
President Joe Biden has declared support for Rutte to take over the job, although not publicly.
Amid speculations of Western support for the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister to lead the alliance, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis last month announced his bid to become the next NATO chief.
The Romanian leader called for consensus among 32 states to properly choose the next leader of the alliance. Romania has been a member of NATO since 2004.
