Washington, DC (Netafsen): Jens Stoltenberg's term as head of NATO is coming to an end after ten years. This week, Stoltenberg held meetings in the United States and Canada with President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
– It's been an intense week, Stoltenberg tells Netafsen.
The meetings were characterized by mutual gratitude. It is clear that the Americans think it is sad that Stoltenberg will end his position as Secretary-General. The most powerful man in the world, Joe Biden, said he would like Stoltenberg to remain in office for another ten years. Blinken suggested that the Norwegian receive a lifetime contract.
– sad
Stoltenberg smiled at these proposals, but he himself was clear in his desire to return to his native Norway.
– How sad is it that it is over now and the war in Ukraine is still going on?
-It's always sad to leave a workplace and people I've worked with for ten years, But I am confident that this is the right decision for NATO and for me. says Stoltenberg.
-I also look forward to spending more time with my family and my wife. He adds that although I enjoyed my time in Brussels, I am also looking forward to living in Norway.
Read also: Trying Biden: – I will miss you
-I have to think about whether I'm going to write a book or not
– We can move forward a few months in time. She will leave on October 1st. October 2 Where is the flight?
– Then I will be in Oslo. “I don't know exactly what I'm doing,” Stoltenberg says.
– Will you be the cabin and write the book?
– I don't know if I will be in Oslo or in the cabin. I have to think about everything, including whether to start writing a book. I will decide all that soon.
– Have you written your memoirs during the past two or three years?
– So, I have an overview of what I was doing. But I'm not a proper memoirist.
-Are you done with international jobs?
– I have finished big international jobs in big international organizations, because I will be living in Norway. Then maybe I will deal with international issues in one way or another, and I don't know exactly how. I think it's good to take some time to think about it, says Stoltenberg, adding that all attention is now focused on the upcoming summit in Washington, DC.
Does not include senior positions in Ap
– Do you have work to do in the Labor Party in the run-up to the 2025 elections?
– I am a social democrat. I will find a way to support Labor when I return home, but not as a senior politician. Stoltenberg says that being a member of the Labor Party should contribute to supporting the party and the social democratic values in which I believe.
– City Council representative in Oslo, then? Netavisen asks, referring to Harlem puppy Brundtlands getting a seat on the D.C. City Council in 2023.
“I don't have any plans for that,” Stoltenberg says and laughs. He adds that he must now get to Norway first.
– So don't be disappointed that Storr spoke up Distinctive name That there is no place for you in government?
– He confirms that it is not a problem at all.
The Trump Whisperer takes over
At the same time that Stoltenberg was moving from meeting to meeting in North America, Mark Rutte got the job as the heir apparent. The Dutchman, who has been the country's prime minister since 2010, takes power at a very chaotic time.
-Mark Ruti is a good friend and colleague for many years. Stoltenberg says he has the best prerequisites for the position of Secretary-General.
Only time will tell if he is the right candidate.
But one feature can be useful. Rutte was dubbed the “Trump whisperer” after he allegedly talked Trump into calming down in a July 2018 meeting.
– How do you think Rutte can handle the potential relationship with the United States with Trump as president?
– I am confident that Mark Rutte will engage with all NATO political leaders from all 32 member states. He has extensive experience leading a coalition government in the Netherlands, and this gives him experience in dealing with different political leaders, so I am confident that it will go well, believes Stoltenberg.
On November 5, Americans will elect a new president. Trump has repeatedly made statements that have shocked experts and world leaders.
For example, this year, when he said that “Russia can do whatever it wants with NATO countries that don't pay their bills.”
Read what Trump voters thought about the move here: – That's Not What Trump Said!
The plays appeal to Trump voters who see enough of the crises at home and criticize the growing national debt.
Stoltenberg leaves behind a defensive coalition that is on track to achieve the 2% target. European member states must bear more of the financial burden. As for Biden, the Secretary-General could announce that 23 countries will reach the 2% target this year.
It is possible that such numbers would appease former President Trump as well.
– It is in the United States' security interest to have a strong NATO
But Trump also criticizes US support for Ukraine. According to Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the best seller ever. “Every time he comes into our country, he walks away with $60 billion,” Trump said at a rally last week.
– How does NATO view these developments?
– I am confident that regardless of the results of the elections in the United States in the fall, the United States will remain a strong member of NATO. I also think they will support Ukraine. He says it is in America's security interest to have a strong NATO and to support Ukraine.
It is uncertain how Trump will actually handle the defense alliance and support for Ukraine if he wins.
Many experts and political opponents claim that Trump poses a threat to NATO and democracy in the United States. Stoltenberg will not give his opinion on Trump's “alleged stolen election.”
– I won't say anything about this kind of question. It's a domestic political issue, says Stoltenberg.
Trump's claims have been fact-checked and debunked. Several states subsequently confirmed elections. Even Republicans, like Brian Kemp in Georgia, are clear that the election in his state was not stolen.
– How did you manage to maintain your calm when situations came from all sides?
-I was able to do this because I have many good colleagues, a good support system and good advisors. Being here for ten years has made me accustomed to crises big and small.
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