The race for the position of head of NATO has begun. Several famous names in the game

In March this year. Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the leaders of NATO states and governments decided to extend the term of office of Jens Stoltenberg as the secretary general of the North Atlantic Alliance for one year. Ultimately, it will cease to be one by the end of September 2023. Therefore, the competition between the allies has already begun.

The New York Times points out that the election is still a long way off, but the first names are already appearing. Christia Freeland is the most talked about in Washington. She is Canada’s finance minister, former head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and in the past a journalist. He has many advantages: Ukrainian roots, knowledge of five languages. She would be the first woman and the first Canadian to lead NATO.

Europeans do not have one candidate. The daily mentions Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, Slovak President Zuzana Caputova and former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. Great Britain is to probe the candidacy of the current Minister of Defense, Ben Wallace.

One of the NATO officials suggested to the “NYT” that it was also possible to extend Jens Stoltenberg’s term of office for another year.

Election to the European Parliament may be difficult in the spring of 2024. Then the division of positions in Brussels will begin. That is why the Americans want the decision to be made faster.

Washington wants to avoid a situation where the next NATO leader is seen as receiving a consolation prize for failing to secure an important position in the EU, a newspaper source said.