In Brussels, the Age of Rutte Dawns
Described by those close to him as a hard-working, no-frills consensus builder, world leaders are closely watching Mr. Rutte to see how he shapes NATO’s future (Flickr)
Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently ceded possession of the gavel, which, for the last ten years, had signified his leadership of the world’s foremost military alliance. The recipient of the October 1 ceremonial handoff—and the very real transfer of geopolitical influence it represented—was former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Mr. Rutte is taking the helm of the organization at one of its most precarious moments. With the war in Ukraine fast approaching its fourth year and populist political factions rising inside many NATO members, the challenges facing the Netherlands’ longest-serving prime minister loom large. His allies, however, believe he is just the man to lead the North Atlantic partnership through this period.
Rutte entered politics in 2002 as State Secretary for Social Affairs and Employment, although he had actively participated in the People’s Party for Freedom & Democracy (VVD) since college. Quickly climbing the political ladder, he pulled off a surprise win for party leader just four years later. A strong showing by the VVD in the 2010 parliamentary elections positioned him to form his first government, eventually emerging as prime minister. When he left office in 2023, Rutte had overseen the creation of four governing coalitions, something his supporters cite as an indicator of his consensus-building capabilities.
During his time as PM, Rutte took a leading role in Brexit negotiations, helped broker an immigration deal between Turkey and the EU, and steered his country through the coronavirus pandemic. The downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 by Moscow-backed forces, which killed 196 Dutch citizens, marked perhaps the most impactful moment of his tenure. Putin’s subsequent stonewalling and obfuscation soured the relationship between the two men—which Rutte had described positively—and fundamentally shifted his approach toward Russia. In the years since, he has become more hawkish on relations with the country; one of his final acts as Prime Minister was to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine despite fervent pushback from the Kremlin.
People who know Rutte have described him as an easygoing, no-frills manager driven by habit and routine. He frequently rides his bike to work (his other ride is a 20-year-old Saab) and often swaps out his suit and tie for more casual attire. But his signature attribute is his willingness to work with just about anyone. This embrace of dialogue and cooperation earned him the nickname “Trump Whisperer” after he rescued a 2018 NATO summit with the former president. With Trump—who has not hidden his skepticism of the organization—locked in a dead heat for the White House, such a skillset could prove invaluable in protecting the alliance’s interests.
Rutte is not without his critics. Detractors have faulted him for a slate of weak climate policies, converging economic and housing crises, and a short-sighted EU approach. Most notable was a 2021 childcare benefits scandal that forced the resignation of his entire government. Nevertheless, the VVD garnered broad support in subsequent elections, sweeping Rutte back into office mere months later. The saga epitomized his habit of escaping political damage time and time again, an ability that has led some to dub him “Teflon Mark.” In the end, a disagreement over asylum policies within his coalition drove his exit from Dutch politics in July of 2023. True to form, he departed office for the last time on his trusty bicycle.
After accepting the gavel at NATO headquarters three weeks ago, the newly minted Secretary General laid out his priorities, including ensuring defensive capabilities and supporting Ukraine, during a press conference. Less than a month into the job, it remains to be seen whether he will be able to realize these goals. But despite the swirling uncertainties, international observers took Rutte’s affable disposition and cracking of jokes at the event as a sign that, even with his new job, he is still the same person he always has been.