Dutch PM Transfers Power and Rides Off on Bicycle

In an unusual scene, the Netherlands’ outgoing Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, left the government’s headquarters in The Hague on his bicycle. The image captured a fitting end to his 14-year tenure, marked by a hands-on, down-to-earth approach.

New Leadership Takes the Helm

Former intelligence chief Dick Schoof was sworn in as the new prime minister by King Willem-Alexander. Schoof, who is not aligned with any political party and did not run in the November election, will lead a right-wing coalition government.

Rutte’s NATO Appointment

Mark Rutte handed over power to the new government as he prepares to become the secretary-general of NATO. NATO, a political and military alliance of countries from Europe and North America, is committed to mutual defense against threats. Rutte’s experience in Dutch politics, leading four multiparty governments, positions him well for his new role on the international stage.

A Seasoned Consensus-Builder

On Wednesday, NATO ambassadors appointed Rutte as the alliance's next secretary-general, its top civilian post. Rutte is set to head the world’s largest military organization starting in October. Current NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg praised Rutte as a strong leader and consensus-builder, confident that NATO will be in good hands.

A New Chapter Begins

Rutte will be formally congratulated by President Joe Biden and other NATO counterparts at a summit in Washington on July 9-11, focusing on support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. On social media, Rutte described his nomination as “a tremendous honor,” emphasizing the importance of NATO as the cornerstone of collective security.

Navigating Complex Challenges

The role of NATO secretary-general involves chairing meetings, guiding consultations among the 32 member countries, and ensuring decisions are implemented. Rutte’s diplomatic skills have already been tested, having secured his candidacy by convincing skeptics, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

An Enduring Pragmatist

Oana Lungescu, a former chief NATO spokesperson, commended Rutte’s pragmatism and his ability to foster relationships with leaders like Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Rutte’s reputation as a safe pair of hands to lead NATO in turbulent times is well-recognized, reflecting his resilient political career.

From Scholar to Statesman

A history graduate and former human resources manager at Unilever, Rutte first became prime minister in October 2010. He resigned last July as his four-party coalition struggled with migration policy. Despite his high political profile, Rutte has remained accessible, often seen riding his bicycle around The Hague.

A Strong Advocate for Ukraine

Throughout his premiership, Rutte was a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian aggression. Under his leadership, the Netherlands committed significant military aid to Kyiv, including Leopard tanks and F-16 fighter jets. The war on Europe’s eastern flank was a key motivation for Rutte seeking the NATO chief role.

Resilient in the Face of Scandals

Rutte’s political career saw him navigate several scandals. Known as "Teflon Mark" for his ability to avoid political fallout, he led his party to victory even after his third coalition government resigned over a child welfare payments scandal. His political resilience and skill in forming coalitions underscored his tenure.

International Diplomacy and Leadership

Rutte’s years in office refined his international diplomatic skills. At European Union summits, he developed strong relationships with leaders like Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, as well as with U.S. Presidents Biden and Trump. His experience offers a unique perspective on the NATO-EU relationship, ensuring complementarity rather than competition between the two organizations.