Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, previously a holdout, has shown support for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's candidacy for NATO Secretary-General. Slovakia also expressed backing for Rutte. Rutte assured Orbán that Hungary could opt out of certain NATO activities, particularly those involving Ukraine. Orbán received a written commitment from Rutte that Hungary would not be involved in a war against Russia. Romania's stance on Rutte's candidacy remains uncertain.
.@PM_ViktorOrban got the promise that Hungary would not have to partake in a war with Russia in writing from Mark Rutte. If these guys lose the rag and send NATO troops into Ukraine, I'll see all my sensible followers in Budapest. The rest of you: enjoy the trench. Seriously. 🇭🇺 https://t.co/qR6BazdLXA https://t.co/jo4XNfWJ7r
Hungary backs Dutch PM Rutte as NATO’s next chief; Slovakia signals support. Romania's the only vote missing. https://t.co/eWvxdfXpXq
Hungary says yes to Rutte's bid for the NATO top job, and Slovakia indicated a similar move today. All eyes on Romania now, with President Iohannis still officially a candidate. https://t.co/eWvxdfXpXq
Orban publishes letter from Rutte outlining the terms of the 'deal' that could lock up sec gen job — and keep Hungary out of some Ukraine efforts. https://t.co/ne9rm082Gr
⚡️ Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte promised Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban the possibility to opt out of NATO activities in support of Ukraine if made secretary-general, the Financial Times reported on June 18, citing its undisclosed sources. https://t.co/hHz3w6MyW2
Hungary withdraws opposition to Mark Rutte's NATO candidacy https://t.co/ca43tz2nGU https://t.co/YnjuTzj7wT
.@PM_ViktorOrban held up Mark Rutte’s appointment as NATO SecGen until it was agreed that Hungary wouldn’t participate in a war against Russia. If you hold an EU passport there is only one country in which you are guaranteed safety from the mad schemes of the collapsing elite. 🇭🇺 https://t.co/PdMdrfw2gt
Hungary not opposed to Rutte's candidacy for NATO top job anymore, Dutch media reports https://t.co/L0mjGSedos https://t.co/jQb1SH51M3
⚠️ SLOVAK PRESIDENT PELLEGRINI SAYS SLOVAKIA PREPARED TO SUPPORT MARK RUTTE CANDIDACY FOR NATO CHIEF
Orbán looks set to loosen his opposition to Rutte's quest for NATO's top job. A source close to the meeting told POLITICO the two had a good conversation and agreed to focus on the future. Rutte promised Orban to put down in writing what they discussed. https://t.co/spSkpzIA5X https://t.co/6920MTts2r
Orbán, widely seen as the ultimate holdout for Rutte’s quest for the NATO top job, just met him on the margins of the EUCO summit: https://t.co/P72EAQZCpi