Rob Jetten Becomes Netherlands’ Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister
Rob Jetten has officially become the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands, following the swearing-in of his minority government.
The 38-year-old leader of Democrats 66 (D66) narrowly defeated anti-Islam populist Geert Wilders in October’s closely fought election.
Jetten formed a centre-right minority coalition with the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). Because it is a minority cabinet, major reforms including a proposed €19bn boost to defence spending and controversial healthcare cuts will require support vote by vote in parliament.
He succeeds Dick Schoof and was formally sworn in by Willem-Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace.
Jetten’s leadership marks a historic moment for LGBTQ representation globally, though his sexuality played little role in the Dutch campaign. Posting after the ceremony, he wrote: “Let’s get to work.”

