NATO Secretary General Race Intensifying — But Hungary Has Objections

Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is the frontrunner to become NATO’s next Secretary General, with the support of Washington, London, Berlin, and Paris. However, Hungary has expressed objections regarding the Dutch politician’s candidacy. As a consensus is required for his election, a Hungarian veto could potentially lead to Rutte’s downfall.

Péter Szijjártó (L) with Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana on 9 February 2024 at the UN in New York,

Hungary, Czechia Oppose EU Sanctions on Israeli Citizens

Hungary and Czechia have been the only members of the EU that have consistently declared support for the Israeli government, both before and since the 7 October massacres. Last December, they were among the ten nations that voted against a resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.