Dutch PM set to be next Nato head after Romanian president withdraws from race
Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has withdrawn his bid for the leadership of Nato, clearing the way for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte to become the next Secretary General.
Mr Rutte is now the sole official candidate in the race, having already secured unanimous support from all other alliance members to succeed the current Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg.
Mr Stoltenberg is stepping down in October after a decade in charge of the transatlantic military alliance.
In announcing Mr Iohannis's withdrawal from the race, Romania's Supreme Defence Council said the country would donate one of its two operational Patriot systems to Ukraine.
Mr Rutte, known for his strong support of Ukraine and vocal opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has served as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands for 14 years.
Nato secretary generals are chosen by consensus from the 32 members of the alliance, with Hungary and Turkey among the last members to have extended their support to Mr Rutte.
On Tuesday, Hungarian President Victor Orbán wrote on X that "Hungary is ready to support PM Rutte's bid for Nato secretary general".
His announcement came after Mr Rutte sent the Hungarian leader a letter assuring him that no Hungarian personnel or funds would go towards supporting Ukraine.
The next Nato summit is due to be held in Washington DC in July.
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