A New Chapter in Dutch Politics
THE HAGUE – Rob Jetten was officially sworn in as Prime Minister of the Netherlands today, February 23, 2026, in a ceremony led by King Willem-Alexander. At 38 years old, Jetten becomes the youngest person to hold the office and the first premier from the centrist D66 party.
His appointment marks a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in Dutch public life, as he is the first openly gay person to lead the country's government. Jetten, who is engaged to Argentine field hockey player Nicolás Keenan, has long been a visible figure in politics, but his ascension to the nation's highest executive office places him in a new historical context.
The Challenge of a Minority Government
Prime Minister Jetten will lead a three-party minority coalition, which holds 66 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer). This political reality will require constant negotiation and compromise to pass legislation. The cabinet consists of the following parties:
- D66 (Democrats 66)
- VVD (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy)
- CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal)
The reliance on support from opposition parties will be a defining feature of his premiership, demanding a high degree of diplomatic skill to advance his government's agenda.
A Rapid Rise to the Torentje
Jetten's career in national politics has been notably swift. After serving as a municipal councilor in Nijmegen, he was elected to parliament in 2017. Just a year later, at age 31, he became the parliamentary leader for D66. During this period, his disciplined and often formal speaking style earned him the media nickname "Robot Jetten," a label he has since moved beyond.
He gained significant cabinet experience as the first Minister for Climate and Energy Policy in the previous government, where he was responsible for major national investments in renewable energy. His leadership of D66 in the October 2025 general election resulted in the party's best-ever performance, securing its position as the joint-largest party and winning the popular vote, which paved his way to the premiership.
Policy Priorities for the New Cabinet
In his initial statements, Prime Minister Jetten has outlined a clear vision focused on several key areas. A committed pro-European, he aims to strengthen the Netherlands' role within the European Union. Building on his previous ministerial work, climate and energy policy remain central to his platform, with a stated goal of a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030.
On the international stage, he has affirmed the Netherlands' continued support for Ukraine and has advocated for an increase in Dutch defense spending to 3% of GDP, signaling a focus on national and European security.
