Danish PM Would Turn Down Sec Gen Job; Dutch PM Rutte Frontrunner

Danish PM Mette Frederisken, speaking at a press conference regarding her gov'ts latest support package for Ukraine (see 1150GMT bullet) has claimed that she would not take up the NATO Secretary General position if it was offered to her following incumbent Jens Stoltenberg's scheduled departure later in 2024. There was significant speculation in 2023 that Frederiksen could take the role given her gov'ts vocal and financial support for Ukraine. With Frederiksen seemingly closing the door to NATO, it leaves outgoing Dutch PM Mark Rutte as the clear frontrunner to take on the increasingly critical role.

• In recent days the flow of support behind Rutte, who has served as Dutch PM since 2010, has become a torrent. In the past 24 hours two of the most important approvals for Rutte's appointment have come, with the USand UK backing him to take the job.
• Some NATO members are viewed as being reluctant to back Rutte. Turkey for fear he could favour EU members too much. Hungary for the Netherlands' past criticism of the Orban gov'ts policies regarding EU rule of law standards. The Baltic states for the potential for Rutte to take a too-dovish stance with regards to Russia.
• Unanimous support is not required for a Sec-Gen's appointment, and with the US and UK's backing Rutte is the overwhelming favourite to take the job. However, senior NATO nations are likely to seek the greatest possible consensus due to the significantly increased profile and importance of the alliance since 2022.