Hungary and Slovakia back Dutch PM Rutte as NATO’s next chief – POLITICO Europe

"We agreed that no Hungarian personnel will take part in the activities of NATO in Ukraine and no Hungarian funds will be used to support them," Orbn said today on X, adding: "In light of his pledge, Hungary is ready to support PM Ruttes bid for NATO Secretary-General."

Slovakia, another holdout against backing Rutte, also indicated it may back him. Like Hungary, Slovakia's new government leans toward Moscow and has said it will not send weapons to help Ukraine.

"After consultations with both candidates and after consultations with Prime Minister Robert Fico and the Slovak government, the Slovak Republic can imagine supporting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the head of the alliance," Slovak President Peter Pellegrini told a televised news briefing today.

Pellegrini added that he had talked to Rutte about NATO helping protect Slovakia's airspace until it beefs up its own capabilities.

Those moves leave Romania whose President Klaus Iohannis is running against Rutte as the sole NATO ally not yet backing the Dutch PM. The new alliance chief has to get the support of all 32 members.

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Hungary and Slovakia back Dutch PM Rutte as NATO's next chief - POLITICO Europe