Rob Jetten has been sworn in as the Netherlands' youngest and first openly gay prime minister. The 38-year-old leader of the Democrats 66 (D66) party secured victory in the recent general election.
Jetten's new government is a centre-right minority coalition, comprising D66, the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA). This minority status means significant reforms, including substantial defense spending increases and adjustments to healthcare and benefits, will require individual parliamentary approval.
The coalition also aims to reduce asylum seeker numbers, proposing that refugees apply for asylum from outside Europe. This policy addresses a critical and sensitive issue that has led to the downfall of previous Dutch governments.
Jetten was formally installed by King Willem-Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. He expressed pride and a commitment to collaborative work for all citizens, emphasizing a focus on improvement rather than dwelling on problems.
Known for his transformation from a more reserved public persona, Jetten presented a confident and at-ease demeanor on election night, appealing to voters seeking a young, pro-EU, and socially liberal alternative to the established hard-right.