Historic Milestone in the Netherlands: Rob Jetten Sworn In as Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister
The Hague, February 23, 2026 — Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the centrist Democrats 66 (D66) party, was officially sworn in today as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, marking a landmark moment in Dutch political history. Jetten becomes the country's youngest-ever prime minister and its first openly gay leader.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Huis ten Bosch Palace, where King Willem-Alexander administered the oaths to Jetten and the members of his new minority coalition government. The event featured a mix of religious and non-religious affirmations among the cabinet members, reflecting the diversity of the new administration.
Jetten's D66 party secured a narrow victory in the October 2025 general election, edging out the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders. After a four-month cabinet formation process, Jetten formed a three-party minority coalition comprising his progressive, pro-EU D66, the center-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). This marks the Netherlands' first minority government in decades, meaning it will rely on support from opposition parties to pass legislation.
Born on March 25, 1987, in Veghel (near Uden in Brabant), Jetten entered national politics in 2017 as a Member of Parliament for D66. He previously served as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy and has led D66 since 2023. Known early in his career for a polished but sometimes stiff communication style—earning him the nickname "Robot Jetten"—he has since developed a more approachable public persona. Jetten has long been open about his sexuality and has spoken out against homophobia, making his appointment particularly significant for LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the Netherlands and beyond.
In a message following the ceremony, Jetten described his new role as "an enormous honor" and expressed readiness to get to work. His government faces immediate challenges, including pushing an ambitious agenda on climate action, increased defense spending, and economic reforms amid a fragmented political landscape.
Jetten's rise follows the collapse of the previous government under Dick Schoof in 2025, which triggered snap elections. His leadership represents a shift toward centrist, pro-European policies after years of populist influence.
Today's inauguration signals a new chapter for the Netherlands, with Jetten's historic milestones highlighting progress in representation while underscoring the complexities of governing with a minority mandate.
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