Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas vies for the top spot at NATO, but controversy and competition loom
Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has announced her interest in becoming the next Secretary General of NATO, expressing support for Ukraine and criticism of Russia. Despite recent controversies, Kallas refuses to resign, setting the stage for a competitive race for the role.
Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has expressed her interest in becoming the next Secretary General of NATO when the current chief, Jens Stoltenberg, steps down in October 2024. Kallas, who became Estonia's first female head of government in January 2021, made her intentions known during the Politico Defence Summit in Washington. Her ruling Reform Party has not yet commented on her aspirations, but it has been confirmed that she will be seeking another term as the party's chair at its upcoming congress in Tallinn.
Estonia PM Kaja Kallas wants the top job at NATO, that is why she pushes so hard for war with Russia. It is part of her job interview. pic.twitter.com/ejmV84qbHg
— Alex Christoforou (@AXChristoforou) November 15, 2023
Known for her strong support for Ukraine and criticism of Russia within the European Union and NATO, Kallas has advocated for a more comprehensive defense plan for the Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—that share a border with Russia. While Kallas has garnered popularity in Estonia, especially after her party's substantial victory in the March general election, her standing took a hit in August. Estonian media reports revealed that her husband remained a major shareholder in a transportation company operating in Russia, despite her previous calls for Estonian businesses to cease operations in the country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Despite the controversy, Kallas has refused to resign, even in the face of pressure from President Alar Karis and the majority of Estonians, as indicated by recent opinion polls. NATO diplomats and security policy experts have recognized Kallas as a passionate advocate for Ukraine and a staunch critic of Russia. However, some have raised concerns that her hawkish approach may not align with the preferences of certain members within the 31-member alliance.
As Kallas throws her hat into the ring for the NATO position, she faces competition from other prominent contenders, including Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who has also expressed interest in the role. The race for the next Secretary General of NATO promises to be an intriguing one, with potential implications for the military alliance's future direction and its relationship with Russia.
