Rob Jetten becomes first gay dutch prime minister of Netherlands

Rob Jetten has made history as the Netherlands’ youngest-ever prime minister at 38 and the country’s first openly gay leader.

The Democrats 66 (D66) leader took office on Monday after his minority government was officially sworn in at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, with King Willem-Alexander presiding over the ceremony.

Minority government faces tough challenges

Jetten’s D66 narrowly defeated far-right politician Geert Wilders in the October elections.

He has formed a centre-right minority coalition with the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA).

As a minority cabinet, every major policy, from an additional €19 billion for defence to healthcare and social benefit adjustments, will require negotiation in both parliamentary chambers.

The government also plans stricter asylum rules, requiring refugees to apply for asylum outside Europe rather than after arrival, a move that has stirred debate. Opposition parties, including Wilders’ bloc and the GreenLeft-Labour coalition, have voiced concerns over proposed financial and social reforms.

Jetten Signals Focus on Collaboration and Progress

Ahead of his swearing-in, Jetten shared a message of unity and responsibility on social media, stating: “By not dwelling on what’s wrong, but by building on what can be improved. That requires courage and collaboration.”

Known for shaking off his “Robot Jetten” image, the new prime minister presents himself as approachable, upbeat, and pro-European Union, contrasting sharply with his far-right opponents.

Jetten now faces the challenge of delivering on ambitious reforms while keeping his minority coalition intact, as the Netherlands looks to a new chapter under its youngest-ever leader.