The media reported plans to extend the powers of Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary General

Jens Stoltenberg’s term as NATO Secretary General could be extended for another year on June 28. About this with reference to sources in the alliance informs news portal Euractiv.

NATO diplomats point to the ability of Stoltenberg, who has led the organization since 2014, to manage the military alliance in times of crisis. At the same time, they note that it is not the time to plunge into the debate about the new candidate for this post. The extension of Stoltenberg’s powers for another year will allow the alliance to focus on supporting Ukraine. If the Ukrainian counter-offensive had begun earlier, then NATO and allies would have had enough time to choose a new leader.

On June 17, Reuters and Bloomberg already reported that Stoltenberg could be asked to stay in office for another year, as he continues to enjoy “broad support” in the alliance. They tried to find a replacement for him, but the US representative, in a conversation with reporters, clarified that “it does not seem that at present there is a consensus within the alliance on replacing him.”

A few days later, Stoltenberg declaredthat does not plan to remain the head of the alliance. “I do not plan to renew my powers. My personal plans are to fulfill my powers until autumn, I have no other plans,” Stoltenberg said. He made a similar statement before.

Among the candidates to replace Stoltenberg, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and British Defense Minister Ben Wallace were mentioned. Euractiv notes that the latter excluded his candidacy from this race, citing the fact that Washington would like to keep Stoltenberg in office.

Earlier, the NRK television company reported that the Norwegian Ministry of Finance is preparing for the possibility that Stoltenberg will not take over as head of the country’s central bank, as previously planned.