Published: 24 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online
Rob Jetten, a 38‑year‑old centrist politician, has been sworn in as the youngest prime minister in the history of the Netherlands, marking a new chapter in Dutch politics as his minority coalition government takes office. The three‑party cabinet, led by Jetten’s Democrats 66 (D66) party together with the centre‑right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), was formally inaugurated on 23 February 2026 by King Willem‑Alexander at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague.
Jetten’s rise to the premiership follows a narrow victory by D66 in the October 2025 general election, when his party edged out the far‑right Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders. After 117 days of coalition negotiations, Jetten’s government was established, although it holds just 66 seats in the 150‑seat House of Representatives, meaning it must secure support from opposition members to pass legislation.
At 38, Jetten surpasses the previous record for youngest Dutch prime minister once held by Ruud Lubbers, who took office in 1982 at the age of 43. In addition to his age, Jetten’s premiership is notable because he is the first openly gay individual to serve as the Netherlands’ head of government, a milestone for LGBT representation in national politics.
His coalition government faces immediate political pressures, particularly around proposed cuts to welfare and healthcare spending, which have prompted opposition from parties such as the merged Green Left‑Labour Party (GroenLinks–PvdA). Jetten has acknowledged the challenges ahead, emphasising the need for consensus‑building within the fragmented Dutch parliament to navigate policy priorities and maintain stability.
The new government also aims to reinforce the Netherlands’ role within the European Union and sustain international partnerships amid ongoing global uncertainties. Despite the slim parliamentary majority and policy disagreements, supporters argue that Jetten’s leadership could signal generational and ideological renewal in Dutch governance.



























































































