A new government has officially taken office in the Netherlands, with 38-year-old centrist leader Rob Jetten sworn in as the country’s youngest-ever prime minister and its first openly gay leader.
Jetten’s rise to power follows a dramatic election victory in October, where his D66 party narrowly defeated the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders. The closely contested race marked a significant political shift after months of instability.
The snap election was triggered by the collapse of the previous coalition government after the PVV withdrew, ending what had been the Netherlands’ most right-leaning administration in recent history after just 11 months in power.
To form a new government, Jetten’s D66 entered a coalition with the centre-right CDA and the liberal VVD. However, the alliance holds 66 seats—nine short of a parliamentary majority—meaning it will depend on support from opposition parties to pass key legislation.
Despite the fragile majority, coalition negotiations were completed in 117 days, significantly faster than the 223 days it took to form the previous government.
During his campaign, Jetten emphasised unity and optimism, arguing that populist movements could be defeated with a positive national vision. He also pledged to strengthen the Netherlands’ position within Europe, stressing that international cooperation remains vital to the country’s future.
Policy priorities for the new administration include continued support for Ukraine, meeting NATO defence spending commitments, and tightening immigration policies. Proposed measures include stricter family reunification rules and cuts to certain social benefits to fund increased defence investments.
Political analysts say the coalition still carries a “right-leaning signature,” particularly in its approach to migration and fiscal policy, even though it is less conservative than its predecessor.
Jetten and his cabinet were formally sworn in by King Willem-Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Dutch politics.
