Romanian President Klaus Iohannis announced on Tuesday his decision to enter the race for the role of NATO secretary general, saying Romania must assume “even greater responsibility” within the alliance.
President Iohannis said at a press conference at Cotroceni Palace, the seat of the Romanian executive branch, that Romania must assume “even greater responsibility within the Euro-Atlantic governing structures.” He emphasised that he intends to assume this role on behalf of Romania. The president added:
“I have decided to enter the competition for the position of Secretary General of NATO.”
On 22 February, Bloomberg news agency quoted European officials as saying that Romania had notified other NATO members of its intention to nominate its president as a candidate for the post of secretary general of the defence alliance.
The presidential announcement came after the government postponed Romania’s presidential election from December to September this year. The term of office of current NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expires on 1 October.
Iohannis justified his decision with Romania’s achievements in the defence sector, the experience gained during his two presidential terms and “a deep understanding of the challenges facing NATO, Europe and especially our region”. He also expressed a “strong commitment to NATO’s core values and objectives”.
He said his candidacy embodies the “legitimate aspiration” of Romania, a country that has undergone a “radical transformation over the past two decades and can contribute its experience to shaping a new vision” of how the Alliance can respond “quickly and effectively” to a diverse and complex set of challenges and threats.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is seen as the frontrunner in the race to head NATO, but Eastern European states are interested in backing a candidate from the region, with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas also mentioned as a potential successor to Stoltenberg.
