In the race for the position of NATO Secretary General, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has gained significant support from member states, positioning him as a top contender for the role. Despite initial jokes from Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at the Politico Defense Summit, Rutte's qualifications and experience have garnered widespread backing.

By June, Rutte had secured the support of twenty-nine out of NATO's thirty-two member states, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania remained as the final countries to be convinced. Rutte personally met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during an EU leaders' dinner in Brussels on June 17, where he assured Orban that he would respect Budapest's decision to opt out of NATO initiatives supporting Ukraine. Consequently, Orban announced his support for Rutte's bid the following day. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini also declared his backing for Rutte, leaving only Romanian President Klaus Iohannis as the last competitor standing.

Known for his low-key persona and affable nature, Rutte has served as the Dutch prime minister since 2010. His ability to handle complex coalitions in the country's parliamentary system has earned him a reputation as a stable and consensus-building politician. Rutte's strong support from over 30 heads of state can be attributed to his diplomatic skills and track record of effectively dealing with various political challenges.

One significant factor contributing to Rutte's popularity on the international stage is his capability to communicate and work with leaders like former U.S. President Donald Trump. Rutte's direct and pragmatic approach during Trump's presidency showcased his ability to navigate the White House's dynamics, fostering credibility and respect.

Notably, Rutte's stance on Russia shifted in 2014, following the downing of flight MH17 by Russian-led militants over Ukraine. He directly confronted Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding the return of all the victims' bodies and refusing to engage in mind games or intimidation. Although defense spending initially dipped to a record low of 1.1% of GDP in 2015, it has steadily risen in recent years. The Netherlands aims to reach the NATO target of 2% GDP expenditure on defense in 2024, highlighting its commitment to strengthening its military capabilities and supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Rutte's ability to mediate and find common ground among NATO member states is seen as crucial in his potential role as Secretary General. With the Netherlands not fitting neatly into either the category of larger member states or those neighboring Russia, Rutte's diplomatic skills and experience make him a suitable candidate for bridging differences within the alliance.

If elected, Rutte would become the fourth NATO Secretary General to hail from the Netherlands, consolidating the country's influential position within the organization. As discussions unfold, all eyes are on Rutte as he continues to rally support and reinforce his qualifications for the coveted position.