In a commentary on “The Morgan Ortagus Show,” Ric Grenell, the former U.S. envoy to Germany, insisted that the decision on NATO’s new leader be postponed until the smoke clears post-U.S. presidential elections.
With Europe on the cusp of its parliamentary elections and America’s pivotal election day fast approaching, Grenell argues that now is not the time to establish a long-term NATO chief. “The political landscape of the West hangs in balance – it’s imprudent to rush such a consequential appointment,” he avers.
Elections for the European Parliament are earmarked for early June, while Americans will cast their ballots come November 5th. Grenell warns against the potential necessity for swift NATO reforms should the choice be cemented before these critical dates.
Jens Stoltenberg’s tenure as the current NATO secretary-general won’t lapse until October, offering a modest window of deferment. “We’re looking at a short-term delay to truly gauge the outcomes of the American electoral process,” Grenell emphasizes. “Initiating debates on his successor so soon could be premature and potentially disruptive.”
