The Netherlands ushered in a new chapter in its political history on February 23, 2026, as King Willem-Alexander formally swore in 38-year-old centrist politician Rob Jetten as the country's Prime Minister. This milestone marks Jetten as the youngest person ever to hold the office in Dutch history and the first openly gay leader to assume the role. The ceremony took place at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, where the king administered oaths to Jetten and the full slate of ministers and state secretaries comprising the new minority coalition government.
Jetten, born on March 25, 1987, leads the progressive, pro-European Democrats 66 (D66) party. His ascension follows a surprising victory in the October 2025 general election, where D66 narrowly defeated the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders. The election outcome represented a significant shift away from the right-wing dominance that characterized the preceding Schoof cabinet, which had been in power from July 2024 until its collapse in mid-2025. That earlier administration, headed by independent politician Dick Schoof, included a coalition of PVV, VVD, NSC, and BBB, and was noted as one of the most right-leaning in recent decades. Its fall triggered snap elections, setting the stage for Jetten's rise.
The new Jetten cabinet is a three-party minority coalition consisting of D66, the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). This marks the first minority government in the Netherlands in decades, meaning it lacks an outright majority in parliament and will need to secure support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The formation process lasted 117 days, beginning after the October election and culminating in Jetten's appointment as formateur in early February 2026. Coalition negotiations focused on bridging ideological differences to forge a workable agreement on key priorities.
The swearing-in ceremony was a formal affair held in the ornate Orange Hall of the royal palace. King Willem-Alexander presided over the event, wishing the new government success "in uncertain times." Of the cabinet members—including 18 ministers and 10 state secretaries—twelve took a religious oath invoking "So help me God Almighty," while an equal number opted for a non-religious affirmation: "I declare and promise." Jetten himself was sworn in alongside his team, with photographs capturing the moment showing him standing beside the king in a display of constitutional continuity.
Jetten's background reflects a steady climb through Dutch politics. He first entered the House of Representatives in 2017 as a D66 member and quickly rose to become the party's parliamentary leader in 2018, earning a reputation as a polished communicator. During the fourth Rutte cabinet (sworn in January 2022), he served as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, where he championed ambitious environmental reforms, including measures to reduce emissions and transition to sustainable energy. Critics sometimes dubbed him "Robot Jetten" for his disciplined, technocratic style, but supporters praise his optimism and focus on progressive policies.
As prime minister, Jetten inherits a challenging landscape. His government's agenda includes an ambitious push to increase defense spending significantly—aligning with NATO commitments amid ongoing global tensions—while also pursuing cuts to agricultural emissions to meet climate targets. These goals reflect D66's long-standing emphasis on European integration, sustainability, and social liberalism. However, the minority status poses immediate hurdles; opposition parties, including Wilders' PVV, have already signaled resistance to certain budget proposals and spending plans. Jetten will need to employ coalition-building skills to navigate parliamentary votes and maintain stability over the four-year term.
The historic nature of Jetten's appointment extends beyond his age. At 38, he surpasses the previous record held by Christian Democrat Ruud Lubbers, who was 43 when he became prime minister in 1982 and went on to serve one of the longest tenures in Dutch history. Jetten's status as the first openly gay prime minister adds another layer of significance, symbolizing the Netherlands' progressive track record on LGBTQ+ rights. The country has long been a pioneer in this area, legalizing same-sex marriage in 2001 and fostering broad societal acceptance. Jetten's leadership is seen by many as a reaffirmation of those values at the highest level of government.
Reactions to the new administration have been mixed. Pro-EU voices and progressive groups welcomed the shift toward centrist, forward-looking governance after years of polarization. International observers noted the contrast with rising populism elsewhere in Europe. However, right-wing factions criticized the coalition as unstable and overly reliant on compromise. Wilders and his supporters expressed disappointment over the election result, framing it as a missed opportunity for stricter immigration and nationalist policies.
Jetten's personal life has also drawn attention. Open about his sexuality, he represents a generational change in Dutch leadership—younger, more diverse, and attuned to modern social issues. His victory selfie posted ahead of the ceremony underscored a approachable style, contrasting with more traditional political imagery.
Looking ahead, the Jetten cabinet's success will hinge on its ability to deliver on promises while managing a fragmented parliament. Priorities such as economic resilience, climate action, and strengthened EU ties will test the coalition's cohesion. In his first statements, Jetten emphasized unity and pragmatism, pledging to work across party lines for the benefit of all Dutch citizens.
This development underscores the fluidity of Dutch politics, where proportional representation often leads to complex coalitions and minority arrangements. The swearing-in of Rob Jetten not only sets a pair of historic firsts but also signals an attempt to steer the Netherlands toward a more collaborative, progressive path in an era of uncertainty. As the youngest and first openly gay prime minister, Jetten's tenure will be closely watched both domestically and internationally for its impact on policy and representation.
