Amsterdam, February 23 – In a historic moment for Dutch politics, 38-year-old Rob Jetten has been sworn in as the Netherlands’ youngest-ever prime minister. King Willem-Alexander administered the oath at the opulent Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, marking the start of a new minority coalition government.
This cabinet, formed by a coalition of three parties, represents the third government change in just four years. Jetten, leading the liberal-progressive D66 party, has forged an alliance with the conservative Christian Democrats and the right-wing VVD. Together, they hold only 66 seats in the 150-seat lower house, necessitating constant negotiation with opposition parties to pass legislation.
The swearing-in ceremony unfolded with traditional flair. Male ministers arrived in morning coats, as per custom, before changing into formal attire post-oath. Immediately after, the new cabinet posed for photographs on the palace steps alongside the king, signaling the formal handover of power.
Jetten’s rise comes after a protracted coalition negotiation following October’s contentious elections. D66 narrowly edged out Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam Freedom Party (PVV), both securing 26 seats. Seven PVV lawmakers later defected, weakening Wilders’ position and paving the way for this centrist coalition finalized in January 2026.
A staunch Europe supporter, Jetten now faces immense challenges. With a slim majority, his government must navigate economic pressures, immigration debates, and EU relations while maintaining stability. Critics question the coalition’s longevity, but Jetten vows to deliver pragmatic governance. As the youngest PM in Dutch history, he brings fresh energy to a seasoned political landscape, promising innovation amid uncertainty.