Dutch PM Rutte to become NATO chief after challenger drops out

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has clinched the race to become the next head of NATO after sole challenger Romanian President Klaus Iohannis pulled out.

Rutte is anticipated to be officially appointed by the 32 nations of NATO in the upcoming days and is set to assume office once the current secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg's tenure concludes on October 1.

Rutte's arrival coincides with an ominous juncture for the Western allies amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and Donald Trump's campaign to regain the presidency in the United States in November.

After asserting his position for the job in the previous year subsequent to the disintegration of his coalition, Rutte, 57, swiftly garnered the backing of influential nations such as the United States, Britain, France, and Germany.

Known as the "Teflon Mark" due to his staying power in the Netherlands, Rutte is set to become the fourth Dutch leader to helm NATO since its inception after World War II.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk