38-yr-old Centrist Rob Jetten Sworn In As Youngest Dutch Prime Minister

A new government was sworn in the Netherlands, ushering in a generational shift in leadership as 38-year-old centrist Rob Jetten took office as the country’s youngest-ever prime minister.

Jetten, who is of the minority coalition and the country’s first openly gay leader, was sworn in by Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Monday.

He succeeds Dick Schoof, whose government collapsed in the summer of 2025, triggering snap elections.

Jetten secured a surprise victory in October’s snap election, narrowly defeating the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV), led by firebrand politician Geert Wilders.

The election was triggered after the PVV pulled out of the previous coalition, collapsing what had been the most right-wing government in Dutch history after just 11 months.

The new prime minister’s Democrats 66 (D66) had formed a coalition with the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Together, the three parties command 66 seats in parliament, however nine short of an outright majority which means the government will depend on opposition backing to pass legislation.

Jetten takes office 117 days, significantly shorter than the 223 days it took to form the previous administration.

Following his election win, Jetten said populist movements could be defeated “if you campaign with a positive message for your country”. Throughout the campaign, he stressed the need to “bring the Netherlands back to the heart of Europe,” arguing that European cooperation was essential for the country’s future.

In a joint manifesto released in January, the coalition partners pledged unwavering support for Ukraine and committed to meeting NATO defence spending targets.

AFP