Following a bitter dispute about asylum seekers, the 13-year premiership of “Teflon Mark” has finally ended.
Mark Rutte, often nicknamed “Teflon Mark” for his ability to weather political storms, has seen his long tenure as Dutch prime minister come to an abrupt end. His premiership, which lasted 13 years, collapsed on 7 July 2023 following a fierce dispute over asylum seekers, leading to the dissolution of his coalition government. Just three days later, Rutte announced his resignation as the leader of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), signaling his departure from Dutch politics later that autumn.
However, Rutte’s political career is far from over. On 20 June 2024, the Romanian president, Klaus Iohannis, withdrew his bid to become the next Secretary-General of NATO, effectively clearing the path for Rutte to succeed Jens Stoltenberg. He is expected to be formally confirmed for the position following 1 October 2024.
Rutte’s move to NATO’s top job marks a significant shift from his previous leadership role in the Netherlands. His experience in coalition-building and navigating complex political landscapes, combined with his pro-transatlantic stance, makes him a suitable candidate to lead the alliance during a time of increasing geopolitical tension. His ascent to NATO’s top post reflects both his long-standing political acumen and the ongoing influence of small European nations in shaping international security policy.
