„It is no longer a secret to anyone that the President Klaus Iohannis is being seriously discussed at the highest levels, in Washington and Brussels as a contender for the post of NATO Secretary General when Jens Stoltenberg leaves the post (30 September 2023). The discussion is the result of Romanian president’s constant pro-Western activity and his serious commitment to democratic values and security policies that Western capitals associate Klaus Iohannis with,” writes Liberal lawmaker Alexandru Muraru in an op-ed published by Digi24.
In his editorial, Mr Muraru reviews the significance of such an appointment for Romania:
- „The eventual appointment of President Klaus Iohannis to NATO Secretary General would take Romania to a new level and would profile our country as a regional actor of significant importance in Europe. If this nomination were to materialize, Romania would counterbalance Poland’s diplomatic momentum and dynamism and would gain a more robust status in international politics, added visibility and performance, and Romanians Romanian officials and citizens would be invested with a greater level of trust.”
- „At the same time, in the perspective of a lengthy war in Ukraine and the highly aggressive arrogance of Russian diplomacy, the eastern flank of the alliance becomes a strategic point not only for arms or a space or infrastructure to support the Ukrainian people, but especially through the leadership of the NATO Secretary General. More specifically, Romania would provide global leadership because of the visibility and overwhelming global importance of the role of secretary general of the alliance. Moreover, this US-Romanian transatlantic relationship, which celebrated a quarter of a century this month, would generate the most important element of political and institutional leadership…. It would be an excellent test of the power of personal, setting an example for the European, regional and domestic politicians.”
- „We can say flat out that Romania would have the opportunity for a Romanian official to hold the most important position ever held at an international level, a position with diplomatic scope and an administrative assurance of military cohesion and security’.
- „Last but not least, with the appointment of Klaus Iohannis as Secretary-General…. Romanian politicians, political parties and other actors will benefit from an increased interest from a foreign administrations and embassies. Romania would become a point of reference for world political leaders, as well as newsrooms and journalists. If this happens, , Romania will become by extension a safe destination, confirmed by default, by potential investors, military partners etc.”
- „Through the principle that butterfly wings stir up storms, there would be little chance that an anti-democratic political accident would happen in Bucharest as long as Klaus Iohannis was at the head of the NATO administration. Global prestige and visibility would inhibit any populist or authoritarian action.”
- „Romania would benefit from this whole range of visible advantages along with countless benefits that a function of this magnitude brings to a state. It’s a very, very good perspective and we have good reason to be optimistic. The support the president enjoys in Washington and Brussels are already likely to create an appreciable advantage in the competition that started a few months ago.”
- „Finally, I think our national pride would be restored and we would no longer be encumbered by the belief that we are somehow less than other nations. It would enable us to believe that we can perform in high positions, that we are able to carry out high-level roles if we are invested with confidence and treated equally. His election on two occasions to the head of state was a moment of confirmation not just of him but ultimately of our ability to elect someone regardless of ethnicity , religion, or the region they come from. It would be a lesson that no propaganda can defeat a nation’s desire to be represented with in a dignified and honest manner. Personally, I was glad when Mircea Geoana became Secretary General of NATO (note: Geoana is from the Social Democratic Party), when Laura Codruta Kovesi became the European Chief Prosecutor or whenever Romanians were appointed to positions of responsibility within the EU or of other international organizations. And so I believe most Romanians will look favorably if such a moment comes. It would also be the case (if Iohannis is appointed) as President of the European Council. After all, for my generation, and of those who lived only a few years under communism or were born in democratic times, the appointment of a Romanian to head NATO will be a strong argument for many years to come that Romanian politicians have an opportunity to deeply serve the good of the nation and of other nations”.