Will Hungary support the Romanian president for NATO chief?

The Orbán cabinet has previously indicated its reluctance to back Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the top position within the military alliance. However, a new applicant has emerged in the form of Romanian ethnic German President Klaus Iohannis. It’s crucial to note that unanimous support is required for the appointment of the new NATO head.

According to 444.hu, Mark Rutte has previously applied for the top position of the military alliance but now faces competition from Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.

Iohannis has asserted that he would make an ideal NATO leader based on Romania’s 20-year NATO membership, the country’s performance and his own presidential track record.

Previously, Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s foreign minister, said that Budapest would not endorse Rutte’s aspirations due to his consistent criticism of Hungary. In contrast, the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany have thrown their weight behind the Dutch politician.

Could Iohannis become the first Eastern European secretary-general of NATO?

However, Rutte also requires Hungary’s approval. Consequently, we may witness a similar standoff to that seen with Sweden’s NATO accession. The Hungarian parliament delayed voting on Stockholm’s bid for nearly two years, preventing Sweden from joining the military alliance, despite Hungary’s purchase of Swedish aircraft for its expanding air force. This underscores the robust military cooperation between the two nations.

While the North Atlantic Alliance has previously had three Dutch heads, no secretary-general has come from Eastern Europe. Iohannis, who has served as Romania’s president since 2014, could potentially be the first. The Hungarian government has yet to comment on his application.

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