NATO lost its leader in Ukraine war. Who can replace Stoltenberg? Kieswetter, a CDU politician and former NATO employee, is the favorite to succeed him.
BERLIN/BRUSSELS – Jens Stoltenberg has been at the helm of NATO for more than eight years. The Secretary General comes last Vladimir Putin The war against Ukraine has become the voice of the West. It was only on Tuesday (April 4) that he welcomed Finland as a new member of the West. Defense alliance.
Norway wanted to resign as NATO chairman last September to take over as head of the Norwegian central bank. Then he came Ukraine war – and Stoltenberg stayed. But now the 64-year-old is getting serious: in December, the former Norwegian head of government wants to finally move to the central bank.
Is NATO Weakened Without Stoltenberg? A former Bundeswehr colonel gives his assessment of succession
CDU politician and former Bundeswehr colonel Roderich Kieswetter himself served in NATO for six years – from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2006 to 2009. He was involved in several NATO missions. In conversation with Merkur.de Van IPPEN.MEDIA He explains why NATO is stronger than ever because of the war in Ukraine – and why he doesn’t see EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) as a suitable NATO boss.
Mr. Kieswetter, Stoltenberg’s departure may not be a surprise, but a change at the top of NATO in the middle of a war is not a good time. Or how do you see it?
Stoltenberg’s transition was already an issue last year. He later extended his tenure for another year. I believe that NATO is now much stronger domestically – precisely because of the war in Ukraine – and that it can cope well with this transition. Of course, NATO needs a good Secretary General, but the NATO Council is also important and has experts with clear values. NATO is stronger today than ever before. Or who would have thought a year ago that Finland and soon Sweden would become members?
NATO: “Successors must have completed a new era in mentality – Germany is out of it”
as successors Many candidates in the debate. Who do you think can fill the void Stoltenberg leaves behind?
Personally, I can well imagine Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas or someone from Lithuania. Gallas initially showed great sensitivity to the current threat posed by Russia, and was also aware of the needs of smaller NATO countries, which was important. It certainly requires someone at the top who can communicate clearly and forcefully to convince the restive population that there is a need for more fighting and defensive preparedness. Additionally, the successor must have clear values Russia And China Own, and have completed what is called a turning point in attitude. Thus Germany has already left.
NATO Secretary General: Those are tasks
The Secretary-General heads the North Atlantic Council and directs the Secretariat with the international staff. He or she represents the Western security alliance to governments and the media. The office does not confer military command powers or political decision-making powers.
He or she must have previously been the Head of State or Government (words nato.int: “senior political figure”). The term of office is four years. The candidate must be nominated unanimously by all member states; Otherwise the post will remain vacant. At the end of the term, he or she may be asked to continue in office. (from)
“The new NATO will be more eastern, more defensive and transatlantic”
Ursula van der Leyen is under discussion as Stoltenberg’s successor. So you don’t think it’s appropriate?
In my opinion, Ursula van der Leyen should run again as EU Commission President so that Germany can maintain its influence in the EU. As for NATO, Germany still has a lot of homework to do. When it comes to the election of a new NATO Secretary General, we are certainly not the frontrunners. The new NATO is more eastern, more defensive and more transatlantic. Germany must pass the turning point first – other countries are far ahead.
How did Stoltenberg shape the NATO presidency during his long tenure?
Stoltenberg is doing an excellent job because of his long government experience, which is essential for this office. He always positioned himself very clearly, but mediated, and he always maintained very close transatlantic contact. He has also succeeded in reconciling the security interests of many Southern European countries with the understandable sense of threat felt by Eastern European countries.
The conversation was moderated by Stephanie Munk.
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