Reuters Citing diplomats, 45-year-old Frederiksen has emerged as a potential front-runner to replace NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Mr. Stoltenberg is expected to step down as NATO leader in September this year.
Last week, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre praised Ms. Frederiksen: "I could spend a lot of time saying good things about Mette Frederiksen. She is one of Europe's most talented leaders and has great respect from the bloc."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Photo: Bloomberg
Called a "tough lady", Frederiksen has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia launched a special military operation in February last year, and has visited Ukraine three times since February 2. She is also Denmark's youngest-ever prime minister when she took office in 3.
When the Nord Stream pipelines exploded in Danish waters last September, Frederiksen responded by forming a rare coalition arguing that political unity was needed at a time of global uncertainty.
In February of this year, Ms. Frederiksen insisted on eliminating a public holiday in order to fund increased defense spending.
Denmark has long lagged in defense spending and is under pressure to raise military spending to 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) - a key target for NATO member states. Therefore, this will make it difficult for Ms. Frederiksen if she wants to become a candidate for NATO secretary general.
Last December, Ms. Frederiksen and the Danish government shifted their plan to meet NATO's goal to 12. Last week, Denmark announced major defense investments over the next 2030 years and increased military aid to Ukraine. According to the government, that will help temporarily achieve NATO's goals this year and next.
