According to Zoltán Szenes, Professor at the National University of Public Service's Faculty of Military Sciences and Officer Training's Department of International Security Studies and former Chief of Staff of the Hungarian Defence Forces, President Johannis is not without a chance for the role.

"It seemed likely that Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, was set to be the next NATO Secretary-General, but how could Romanian President Klaus Johannis’s candidacy shake up the race?"

"Certainly, Johannis's application makes things interesting. While several major powers, from the United States to the United Kingdom, Germany, and most recently France, have shown support for Rutte, both candidates are exceptional choices. In Romania, the president plays a significant role in foreign and security policy and represents the country in the North Atlantic Council (NAC), similar to the Prime Minister's role in the Netherlands and Hungary. Both candidates have extensive experience in international politics, with Rutte serving as Prime Minister since 2010 and Johannis as President since the end of 2014, nearing the end of his second term. The international press views the Romanian candidacy negatively, seeing it as potentially divisive for NATO, but this overlooks the fact that multiple candidates have historically been considered for the role. Two years ago, there was even speculation that the organization’s next secretary-general might be a woman."

"There are also discussions about the current Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, possibly staying on."

"Having been in the position for a decade, and after expressing a desire to leave last year, Stoltenberg agreed to stay one more year. Johannis’s entry could have various considerations, with Romanian media suggesting he might be interested in European Union positions as well. It's common for national leaders to seek European leadership roles after serving domestically for an extended period. There are at least ten significant positions within the EU considered highly important. According to Romanian sources, were he not elected as Secretary-General, Johannis might apply for the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who also serves as the Vice-President of the European Council. Both countries excel in meeting NATO requirements, with Romania currently constructing a significant air force base in Constanța County in collaboration with the United States."

"How is the selection process conducted in such cases?"

"During my tenure, military committee chairpersons were elected through voting in official meetings. The selection for Secretary-General is not conducted this way but rather through informal nominations, leading to a single candidate who must receive unanimous support. Once consensus is reached, the North Atlantic Council formally appoints the Secretary-General for a four-year term."

"What importance does the Secretary-General hold?"

"The role has three main functions: leading all NAC meetings, including summits, the foreign and defense ministers’ meetings, the weekly ambassadorial sessions, and the annual meeting of the nuclear planning group, among other high-level discussions. The Secretary-General also acts as the organization's spokesperson, significantly influencing NATO policy, and leads a large apparatus, managing between one thousand and eleven hundred people, which greatly enhances their leadership impact."

"When can we expect the new Secretary-General to be elected?"

"The plan likely involves making a decision by the July NATO summit in Washington, allowing for a smooth transition if the current Secretary-General completes his term, leading to his departure at the end of September."

"Neither candidate is seen as a conservative figure. Could this pose a problem if Donald Trump is re-elected President of the United States?"

"Political affiliations don’t play a crucial role. The Secretary-General represents thirty-two countries, which have varying political powers at their helm."

"Would the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war cause tension regarding the selection?"

"Leadership selection takes various factors into account, but leadership experience, international recognition, and the ability to unite the alliance are paramount, as consensus is always a challenging process. Ideas and plans need to be proposed, and excellent relations with all parties are essential, aiming for a balance. Sometimes, the NAC makes decisions based on the lowest common denominator. Rutte’s experience in leading multi-party coalition governments in the Netherlands strengthens his candidacy. On the other hand, there has been a longstanding request or suggestion for a Central or Eastern European NATO Secretary-General. The next Secretary-General will be the fourteenth since the position was established in 1952, but it became the principal office only in 1957, as previously the leadership was rotated annually among foreign ministers of member countries. Traditionally, the Secretary-General has been European, a preference strongly advocated by the Americans since NATO's inception."

"Who are Johannis’s primary supporters?"

"The Baltic states, Poland, Bulgaria, and us, but given Central and Eastern European countries' historical grievances with Russia, it’s uncertain they would maintain a neutral stance in critical situations. Thus, nominating a candidate from the region could be seen as a disadvantage. Soon it will become clear how many countries support him. If the major powers continue their support, which seems likely, Rutte appears to have better chances. The selection process involves preliminary discussions by foreign ministers starting in April, eventually leading to a consensus on a single candidate. Johannis’s nomination could still be strategic, even if he isn’t chosen for the NATO role, potentially positioning him for a high-ranking EU position during the distribution of top jobs."