TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Netherlands: Nederlands Dagblad, Het Financieele Dagblad.
UK coverage: Financial Times.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has proposed a deal to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as part of his campaign to secure the top job at NATO. Rutte’s offer comes amidst opposition from Orbán and other Eastern European leaders who have criticized his candidacy for the NATO Secretary-General position.

According to an article from Nederlands Dagblad titled ‘Rutte: Orbán does not need apologies in exchange for support for NATO position,’ Orbán did not request apologies from Rutte for previous remarks about Hungary that were deemed disrespectful. However, it has been agreed that Rutte will send a letter to his Hungarian counterpart expressing his understanding that those remarks were ill-received. Rutte remains ‘cautiously optimistic’ that Hungary will support him as the new NATO chief.

Orbán was seen as the final major obstacle for Rutte’s appointment as Secretary-General. He recently set two conditions for supporting the Dutch leader. Current NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has confirmed that Hungary is not obligated to participate in NATO operations outside of NATO territory, and Rutte will reiterate this in the letter.

The letter, expected to be sent within a few days according to diplomats, will also address the remarks that Budapest found objectionable. During an EU summit in 2021, Rutte stated that Hungary had ‘no place in the EU’ if it passed a controversial law that would violate LGBTQ+ rights. He also expressed his aim to bring the country ‘to its knees’ on that issue.

Meanwhile, an article from Het Financieele Dagblad titled ‘No deal yet on top Brussels jobs, Rutte has ‘good’ conversation with Orbán’ reports that there is still no agreement on top positions in Brussels. Rutte had a ‘good’ conversation with Orbán, indicating ongoing negotiations.

In conclusion, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is making efforts to secure the support of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in his bid for the NATO Secretary-General role. While Orbán did not demand apologies, Rutte will send a letter acknowledging the misperception of his previous remarks. The letter will also emphasize that Hungary is not obligated to participate in NATO operations outside of NATO territory. Rutte’s candidacy for the NATO role has faced criticism from Orbán and other Eastern European leaders. Negotiations are ongoing, and no deal has been reached on top Brussels jobs at this time.