“In NATO’s history, a Central or Eastern European state has never held the position of secretary general. It is high time we address this, especially given that the main security challenge is currently coming from this direction,” said Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Brussels.
During a press conference at the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Council, Minister Péter Szijjártó emphasized Hungary’s longstanding support for bolstering the eastern wing of the alliance, hoping that this would also be considered in the selection of the next Secretary General. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of a Secretary General hailing from Central or Eastern Europe, despite the fact that most of these countries have been NATO members for the past two decades.
If we acknowledge, as we do in NATO, that the primary challenge comes from the East, then appointing a secretary general from the Eastern half of NATO seems fitting,” he stated.
While acknowledging widespread support for the candidacy of outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Szijjártó expressed Hungary’s inability to endorse him. He emphasized the crucial need for trust among NATO leaders, which Hungary could not extend to someone who had previously discussed undermining Hungary’s interests.
He noted that the candidacy of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has introduced a new dynamic to the discussions, expressing satisfaction at the representation from Central Europe and reiterating the need for a serious conversation about NATO’s historical lack of a secretary general from the region.
