Canada's top general loses election to become head of key NATO Military Committee
Canadian General Jennie Carignan lost the election for the chair of the NATO Military Committee to German General Carsten Breuer. The decision was made by a secret ballot of the alliance's 32 member chiefs of defence.
Why it matters
The position is a critical leadership role within NATO, and the election highlights the internal dynamics and power balance among alliance members.
Gen. Jennie Carignan and her German counterpart, Gen. Carsten Breuer, were vying for the position. Top military commanders from NATO's 32 members ultimately decided on Saturday to go with Breuer in a secret ballot election.
The news was announced on social media by the current chair, Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, who congratulated Breuer on his election.
"Your operational judgement, your deep familiarity with this alliance and your leadership of the German Armed Forces will serve NATO well," Dragone said.
A Canadian has not held this position in almost two decades — the last being retired general Ray Henault between 2005 and 2008. Had she won, Carignan would have been the first woman to lead the Military Committee in the 77-year history of the alliance.
Statement on the election of a new chair of the NATO Military Committee: <a href="https://t.co/8lMUTVhDQ5">pic.twitter.com/8lMUTVhDQ5</a>
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