Title: British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace Withdraws from NATO Secretary-General Contest
Date: June 23, 2023
The race for the next NATO secretary-general has taken an unexpected turn as British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace announced his withdrawal from the competition. Despite actively campaigning for the position, Wallace failed to secure the support of the United States and France, the two major NATO countries.
In an interview with the British “Economist” magazine, Wallace expressed his belief that he would not succeed Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary-General, as the US wanted Stoltenberg to continue in the role. The Economist described Wallace as a “loyal friend of Ukraine” and highlighted his efforts in shaping policy towards the country. However, it seems that his support for Ukraine was not enough to secure the backing of the US and France.
The report also mentioned that some members of the British Conservative Party admired Wallace’s image and voice, particularly his role in providing military aid to Ukraine. The UK is the second-largest country to offer military assistance to Ukraine, pledging over 6 billion pounds in aid. Leaked Pentagon Papers revealed that 50 British special forces personnel were deployed in Ukraine, compared to 14 from the United States.
The Economist suggested that the US may prefer Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte for the NATO secretary-general position, although he has reportedly turned down the job twice. Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen has emerged as a frontrunner in the race. Sources close to Wallace indicated that the process remains open.
Wallace also emphasized the importance of pleasing both French President Macron and US President Biden in selecting Stoltenberg’s successor. The Economist noted that the US seeks the support of its allies to confront China, while France emphasizes “European strategic autonomy.”
Surprisingly, Wallace expressed sympathy for Macron and praised the extraordinary US support for Ukraine. He also highlighted the significance of cooperation in the European defense industry, views that align with his party but are not widely popular. Wallace acknowledged the validity of the French perspective, stating that “the answer to all problems is not America first” when it comes to procurement.
In conclusion, The Economist stated that the sentence “This is a sentence that the Secretary-General of NATO will never say” encapsulates the unlikelihood of Wallace becoming the next NATO secretary-general.
Earlier reports from Reuters indicated that NATO member states have yet to reach a consensus on the candidate for the next secretary-general, suggesting that Stoltenberg may be required to stay for another year. Stoltenberg, the former Prime Minister of Norway, has served as NATO Secretary-General since October 1, 2014, making him the second
Who is likely to play a crucial role in determining the next NATO secretary-general following Wallace’s withdrawal
Ce on defense matters, but ultimately, the lack of major ally support proved to be a significant obstacle in his campaign.
Wallace’s decision to withdraw from the NATO secretary-general contest comes as a surprise to many, considering his previous efforts in promoting defense cooperation among NATO member states. He has been an active participant in various international security forums and has advocated for increased defense spending and modernization within the alliance.
His departure from the race now leaves the field open to other candidates, with the United States and France likely to play a crucial role in determining the next NATO secretary-general. It remains to be seen who will emerge as the frontrunner and secure the necessary support to lead the organization during this critical time of global security challenges.
It’s unfortunate to see the British Defense Secretary withdraw from the NATO Secretary-General competition. His experience in defense affairs would have brought valuable insights to the table. Nevertheless, it’s important to respect his decision and focus on finding a worthy replacement to represent British interests in NATO.
It’s disappointing to see Defense Secretary Wallace withdraw from the NATO Secretary-General competition. His experience and expertise would have been valuable in leading such an important international organization.