Rob Jetten Sworn In as Netherlands’ Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister
Rob Jetten has taken office as the youngest and first openly gay prime minister in the history of the Netherlands, marking a significant political milestone for the country.
The 38-year-old leader of Democrats 66 (D66) emerged victorious in October’s tightly contested general election, narrowly outperforming anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders. Following weeks of negotiations, Jetten succeeded in forming a centre-right minority coalition government.
Minority Coalition Takes Shape
Jetten’s cabinet brings together D66, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). However, the coalition does not command a parliamentary majority, meaning key legislative proposals will require support from opposition lawmakers in both chambers of parliament.
Under the coalition agreement, the government has outlined ambitious and potentially controversial reforms. These include an additional €19 billion in defence spending, alongside significant reductions in healthcare and welfare budgets. Each major policy initiative is expected to face intense parliamentary scrutiny.
Immigration policy is also set to tighten. The coalition intends to reduce asylum applications by requiring refugees to apply for protection outside Europe rather than after arriving in the Netherlands. Migration has been a particularly divisive issue in Dutch politics and played a role in the collapse of previous administrations.
Leadership Transition
Jetten succeeds Dick Schoof, whose government was among the shortest-serving in modern Dutch political history.
The new cabinet will include seven ministers from D66, six from VVD, and five from CDA. Each party will also nominate three state secretaries, who serve as junior members of the government.
Jetten was formally sworn in by Willem-Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague on Monday, officially beginning his tenure as prime minister.
A Shift in Political Image
Known earlier in his career for a reserved and highly scripted public persona — which earned him the nickname “Robot Jetten” — the new prime minister has gradually reshaped his image into that of a more confident and accessible leader.
On election night, supporters gathered in the city of Leiden celebrated his victory enthusiastically, viewing him as a youthful, pro-European and socially liberal alternative to more hardline political figures.
While Jetten’s sexuality was not a central campaign issue domestically — reflecting the Netherlands’ longstanding support for LGBTQ rights — his appointment carries symbolic importance internationally. He joins a small group of openly gay heads of government worldwide.
Political Opposition and Challenges Ahead
Despite the historic nature of his appointment, Jetten faces immediate political resistance. Wilders has pledged to oppose the new administration’s initiatives, while opposition parties have criticised elements of the coalition’s financial strategy.
Jesse Klaver, leader of the GreenLeft-Labour alliance, has argued that the proposed fiscal measures would disproportionately affect middle- and lower-income citizens while sparing the wealthiest taxpayers.
With no parliamentary majority, Jetten’s government will need to build cross-party alliances to pass legislation — a task that will test both his political skills and the durability of his coalition.
After being sworn in, Jetten posted a brief message signalling his readiness to begin: “Let’s get to work.”
His premiership now begins under close scrutiny, as the Netherlands navigates fiscal reform, defence expansion, and one of Europe’s most sensitive political debates — migration policy.
Rob Jetten: Background and How He Secured Victory
Rob Jetten entered office not only as the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands, but also as one of the most strategically positioned political figures of his generation.
Political Background
Born in 1987, Jetten studied public administration and built his early career within municipal politics before rising through the ranks of Democrats 66 (D66), a centrist and socially liberal party known for its pro-European Union stance and reform-oriented platform.
He became parliamentary leader of D66 at a relatively young age, gaining national recognition during coalition negotiations and major parliamentary debates. Over time, he positioned himself as a pragmatic reformer — economically cautious but socially progressive.
Earlier in his career, critics described him as overly scripted and technocratic. However, in recent years he rebranded himself as more approachable and confident, broadening his appeal beyond core liberal voters.
Why He Won the Election
Several factors contributed to Jetten’s narrow victory over Geert Wilders:
1. Centrist Stability Over Polarisation
Many voters sought a middle-ground alternative after years of political fragmentation and coalition instability. Jetten presented himself as a steady, pro-EU leader capable of working across party lines, contrasting with Wilders’ hardline anti-Islam and anti-immigration rhetoric.
2. Pro-European and Reform Agenda
At a time of geopolitical uncertainty in Europe, Jetten’s strong support for European cooperation and defence spending resonated with moderate voters concerned about security and economic resilience.
3. Appeal to Younger and Urban Voters
D66 traditionally performs well among younger, educated, and urban voters. Jetten’s age and modern campaign style helped mobilise this demographic, particularly in university cities and metropolitan areas.
4. Coalition-Building Credibility
In a political system where coalition-building is essential, Jetten was viewed as more capable of forming a workable government. His willingness to negotiate with centre-right parties such as the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) reassured voters seeking governance rather than prolonged deadlock.
5. Political Timing
Immigration and cost-of-living pressures dominated the campaign. While Wilders campaigned on stricter migration policies, some voters appeared wary of further polarisation following the collapse of previous coalitions. Jetten’s tone focused more on reform, fiscal discipline, and controlled migration rather than sweeping rhetoric.
A Symbolic and Strategic Moment
Although his sexuality was not a major issue in domestic campaigning — reflecting the Netherlands’ long-standing support for LGBTQ equality — his historic status added symbolic weight internationally.
Ultimately, Jetten’s victory reflected a combination of generational change, centrist positioning, and strategic coalition potential. Whether his minority government can sustain parliamentary support will now determine how durable that mandate proves to be.
