What Happened
Rob Jetten, leader of the Democrats 66 party (D66), was sworn in as the Netherlands’ youngest-ever and first openly gay prime minister on February 23, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, officiated by King Willem-Alexander. This milestone follows months of coalition negotiations after the October elections, where no party secured a two-thirds majority.
Why It Matters
Jetten’s appointment marks a significant moment in Dutch politics, as he is the first openly gay leader to head the government in a country that legalized same-sex marriage in 2001. His party, D66, narrowly defeated far-right populist Geert Wilders in a closely contested election, reflecting a shift towards liberal values amidst a fractured political landscape. The new minority coalition, formed with the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), holds only 66 of the 150 seats in the lower house, necessitating negotiations for every major reform.
What’s Next
Jetten’s government faces immediate challenges, including the need for opposition support to pass key legislation due to its minority status. The coalition aims to tackle ambitious goals such as increasing defense spending and addressing climate change, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Jetten has expressed a commitment to serve all citizens in the Netherlands, emphasizing unity and responsibility in his leadership.
