THE HAGUE – The Netherlands has a new leader: Rob Jetten, at just 38 years old, the youngest prime minister the country has ever seen. Sworn in by King Willem-Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace, Jetten heads a fragile minority government born from a three-party coalition.
Broadcast by NOS, the ceremony highlighted Dutch political traditions. Ministers donned morning coats for the oath, then transitioned to business attire before assuming duties at their ministries. The group later gathered for an official photo op with the monarch on the palace staircase.
Comprising D66, Christian Democrats, and VVD, the alliance commands a mere 66 of 150 seats in parliament. This setup demands cross-party support for every bill, testing Jetten’s diplomatic skills from day one.
Background to this formation traces back to October elections where D66 squeaked past Geert Wilders’ PVV in a tight race—both won 26 seats. Subsequent defections from PVV eroded its influence, allowing the moderate coalition deal sealed three months later in January 2026.
Jetten, a pro-EU liberal from D66, steps into a role fraught with hurdles. Rising living costs, border policies, and geopolitical tensions loom large. Yet, his youth and progressive outlook offer hope for bold reforms. Observers watch closely as this untested government tackles a divided nation’s priorities, aiming to prove minority rule can thrive.