The Netherlands has appointed its first openly gay and youngest prime minister, with Rob Jetten officially sworn in on Monday, the 23rd of February 2026.
The 38-year-old leader of Democrats 66 (D66) secured victory in October’s general election, unseating the far-right Freedom Party (PVV). His appointment marks a generational and symbolic shift in Dutch politics.
Jetten succeeds Dick Schoof, whose government collapsed in the summer of 2025, triggering snap elections.
A Coalition Government
D66 has 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 hold 66 seats — nine short of a parliamentary majority — meaning the new prime minister will need backing from opposition lawmakers to pass legislation.
Jetten’s campaign gained momentum in the lead-up to the election, boosted by a wave of advertising built around the optimistic slogan “yes, we can”. The messaging allowed the party to address contentious issues such as immigration and the ongoing housing crisis while presenting a message of renewal.
As part of D66’s repositioning, Jetten openly challenged far-right leader Geert Wilders, accusing him of invoking LGBTQ+ rights selectively to target Muslim communities.
A Symbolic Moment
In an Instagram post following his swearing-in, Jetten wrote: “Proud to be able to do this together. In a new phase, with a great responsibility and above all a joint promise to work for everyone in the Netherlands.”
The post was quickly flooded with congratulatory messages and green heart emojis from supporters.
Jetten’s fiancé, Argentine-Dutch hockey player Nicolás Keenan, previously spoke about the significance of having an openly gay prime minister.
“Dutch people are ready for a new energy, and he’s bringing a lot of energy, a lot of positive energy as well, so people are really looking forward to his cycle as a prime minister,” Keenan said.
Jetten’s appointment signals a new chapter in Dutch leadership, blending generational change with a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ representation at the highest level of government.
