Mark Rutte Searches for NATO Deputy
- Two former officials from North Macedonia and Bulgaria vie for the role of deputy to the incoming NATO chief, Mark Rutte.
- Mark Rutte, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010, is tasked with selecting a suitable right-hand woman at NATO.
- The decision on Rutte's deputy will have implications for the leadership dynamics within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
As NATO prepares for a leadership transition, two prominent candidates from Eastern Europe are vying for the position of deputy to the incoming chief, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Among the frontrunners is Radmila Šekerinska, the former Defense Minister of North Macedonia, whose potential appointment would mark a significant milestone as the highest-ranking NATO official from the Western Balkans outside the EU. Šekerinska, a pro-Western figure and current vice president of the Party of European Socialists, has garnered support for her expertise in regional security and relations with Russia. Another candidate in the running is Mariya Gabriel, Bulgaria's former Deputy Prime Minister and European Commissioner. Her name has surfaced amid concerns regarding Russia's influence in Bulgaria, as highlighted by outgoing Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov. Gabriel's experience in European affairs positions her as a strong contender, although she has not publicly commented on her candidacy. Additionally, Latvia's former Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš is also seeking the deputy role, according to a senior Latvian official. The deputy secretary-general's responsibilities include representing the chief and chairing critical meetings of NATO ambassadors, emphasizing the importance of selecting a candidate with a deep understanding of both regional dynamics and broader NATO challenges. The consensus among NATO allies leans towards appointing an Eastern European to this pivotal role, reflecting the alliance's strategic focus on enhancing its presence and influence in the region.