A Moroccan-Dutch tax expert challenges NATO Secretary General appointment

Moroccan-Dutch tax specialist and legal advisor Karim Aachboun is seeking to prevent former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte from becoming NATO Secretary General. Aachboun, who has initiated legal action against NATO and Rutte, is aiming to stop Rutte's appointment to avoid him gaining immunity through his new role.

Aachboun has two lawsuits against Rutte in the Netherlands: one related to a controversy over allowances and another concerning the death of a Dutch woman in Gaza in October 2023.

These cases are not set to be heard until after October 1, 2024. Aachboun is concerned that if he wins, he might not be able to enforce the court’s decisions against Rutte if he uses his NATO position to evade them and transfer his assets to Belgium.

Therefore, Aachboun is requesting that a Brussels judge halt Rutte’s appointment until the Dutch legal matters are resolved.

In a July X post, Aachboun stated: «I am requesting that Rutte’s appointment to NATO be postponed until the Dutch court rules on the ongoing cases involving Rutte and immunity».

It is important to note that NATO ambassadors have decided to appoint Rutte as the new Secretary General, replacing Jens Stoltenberg on October 1.

The hearing for Aachboun’s case against Rutte and NATO is scheduled for August 12.