By Selen Valente
BRUSSELS (AA) — Mark Rutte, the outgoing Dutch Prime Minister known for his 14 years of crisis management in coalition governments, has been appointed as NATO's new head. His leadership skills will now be tested on the global stage, addressing pressing challenges facing the military alliance.
The Dutch politician, the youngest of seven children, was born in 1967 in The Hague. During his university years, he served as chairman of the Youth Branch of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), a party he would later lead.
Rutte completed his studies in Dutch history at Leiden University and worked in the private sector in human resources for about a decade before beginning his career in public service in 2002.
From 2002 to 2004, Rutte served as state secretary for employment and social affairs, and from 2004 to 2006 as state secretary for education, culture, and science. In 2006, he assumed party leadership from Jan Peter Balkenende, a role he held until 2010.
After the June 2010 elections, Rutte led a coalition with the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), starting his tenure as prime minister on Oct. 14, 2010. Rutte's first government remained in office until April 23, 2012.
Following the elections on Sept. 12, 2012, Rutte led a Cabinet composed of VVD and the Labour Party (PvdA) until Oct. 26, 2017.
Despite the decline in the VVD's votes in the 2017 elections, Rutte successfully led a four-party coalition government with the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Democrats 66 (D66) and the Christian Union (CU). The government concluded on Jan. 15, 2021.
Rutte then served as interim prime minister for 299 days until a new government was formed.
After reaching an agreement with previous coalition partners in the general election held March 15-17, 2021, Rutte formed his fourth government on Jan. 10, 2022.
Despite his government collapsing due to domestic issues, Rutte became the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history. Within the EU, Rutte holds the title second only to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
- Path to NATO chief
Rutte resigned July 7, 2023, following disputes about immigration policy within the coalition government in the Netherlands. He announced he would continue as prime minister until a new government was formed and then retire from active politics.
His stance on the Ukraine war was the major factor leading him to become the head of NATO.
In 2022, driven by the forces behind Europe's support for Ukraine amid the war, Rutte indicated his intention for the NATO role while co-chairing an international coalition aimed at providing F-16 fighter jets and pilot training to Ukraine.
Subsequently, Rutte cited the Ukraine conflict as a primary reason for his aspiration for NATO leadership in statements.
Under his leadership, the Netherlands surpassed NATO's defense spending target of at least 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) and provided significant military aid to Ukraine.
In the final months of his premiership, despite challenges from far-right opponents, Rutte signed a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine.
Rutte's reputation in his country and within European politics played a crucial role in quickly garnering allies' support for his candidacy for NATO chief.
Dubbed "Teflon Mark" for his ability to navigate and survive political crises in the Netherlands, he served as prime minister continuously for 14 years, notable for his knack for fostering consensus among coalition partners.
Over the years, he received praise within the EU for his pragmatic and constructive approach toward migration, economic issues, and the coronavirus crisis.
- Challenges ahead
Rutte is assuming his role at a critical time for the transatlantic alliance. Taking office just a month before the US elections, the possibility of former US President Donald Trump's reelection raises numerous questions about the future of NATO.
Trump's previous statements suggesting he would not protect allies who do not invest in defense and might cut support to Ukraine had caused concerns for NATO's European members.
The foremost challenge facing Rutte will undoubtedly be the war in Ukraine.
Like the past two years, his assumption of office in October coincides with an increasing military need in Ukraine as winter approaches, potentially straining resources and support commitments.
Another significant challenge for Rutte, as seen in recent European Parliament elections, is the rise of far-right, nationalist movements in allied countries. This trend could complicate NATO's unity, particularly concerning relations with Russia and support for Ukraine.
He has quickly garnered support from many allies but faced hurdles, notably from Hungary.
Orban, meanwhile, announced support for Rutte's candidacy only after receiving assurances that Hungary would not be compelled to participate in NATO's plans concerning Ukraine.