Romanian President Iohannis wants to become NATO Secretary General for Lebanon in the war between Israel and Gaza: “The country will then sink into chaos”

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis is running for the position of NATO chief. “I have decided to enter the competition for the position of Secretary General of NATO,” he said in a televised address on Tuesday.

Iohannis thus confirmed long-standing speculation about his career plans after his mandate as Romanian head of state ends this fall. After two terms in office, he is no longer allowed to run for office in his country. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte is considered the favorite for the post of NATO Secretary General. Germany and the US support him.

Romania has proven that it is a “pillar of stability and security in the region,” Iohannis continued. Moreover, Romania unconditionally supports Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia. The country already spends 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product on defense.

The country’s military is being fully modernized, at the same pace as those of its allies. “I think it is time for Romania to take on even greater responsibility. It is a legitimate ambition of a state that has undergone radical changes,” Iohannis said. Romania is currently represented at the top of NATO by Mircea Geoana, NATO Deputy Secretary General. (dabbing/sda/dpa)