Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the center-left D66 party, took the oath of office as the Netherlands’ new Prime Minister on the 23rd. He marks the youngest prime minister in the nation’s history and the shortest in stature among openly gay leaders.
Swearing-In Ceremony
The ceremony occurred at the Bos van Ede estate in The Hague after finalizing the cabinet. Officials confirm Jetten selected key positions, emphasizing progressive policies.
Coalition Government
D66 surged to the top spot in the October elections, securing first place. The party then forged a coalition with the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Together, they hold 66 seats in the 150-seat parliament.
The new administration prioritizes housing reforms, stricter migration controls, and robust support for Ukraine amid ongoing challenges. It aims to boost homeownership, align with European standards on migration, and deliver impactful aid.
Career Highlights
Born in 1987 in South Holland, Jetten studied political science and social sciences at Radboud University. He entered politics early, becoming D66’s youngest MP ever at age 31 in 2018.
From 2022 to 2024, he served as Minister for Climate and Energy in the fourth Rutte cabinet. In 2024, he advanced to First Deputy Prime Minister before this top role.
Personal Life
The openly gay leader’s cabinet features two Olympic field hockey champions: national team captain Nikolaas Kinnen (28) and his partner Gideon. The couple went public in 2023 after teaching together in 2022.
At the Paris Olympics in November 2024, where they won silver, Jetten joked about their height difference: “Tall mister and mister will become.”
Cultural Context
The Netherlands embodies a culture of tolerance, known as gedogen, which accommodates personal freedoms. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1811, and same-sex marriage became legal in 2001—the first nationwide.
Prostitution, euthanasia, and soft drug use also fall under regulated tolerance policies, reflecting the country’s progressive stance on individual rights.
