Rutte Closes In on NATO Job After Hungary, Slovakia Support
- Dutch leader needs unanimous support to become next NATO chief
- Orban was seen as potential stumbling block for Rutte’s bid
Mark Rutte
Photographer: Sean Gallup/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is on the verge of becoming the NATO military alliance’s next head after securing the endorsement of Hungary and Slovakia.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he now supports Rutte’s bid as long as the Dutch premier agrees to respect a deal the Hungarian leader made with North Atlantic Treaty Organization Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg last week to give his nation an opt-out from the alliance’s commitments to Ukraine.