Estonia’s prime minister has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to become the next NATO secretary-general, Estonian media reported on Monday.
Kaja Kallas has secured the support of the US, Britain, France and Germany to succeed Jens Stoltenberg.
Kallas became Estonia’s first female prime minister in January 2021. Before becoming prime minister, she was a member of the European Parliament, where she worked on the EU’s digital single market strategy, energy and consumer policy, and relations with Ukraine.
In contrast to Kallas’ international popularity, Estonian voters view her more unfavourably. During her time as prime minister, her reputation has taken a major hit as Estonia has struggled with economic recession, high inflation and tax hikes.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who until recently seemed to be the favourite as a candidate, was sidelined due to the Netherlands’ poor record on defence spending.
