Rob Jetten Sworn in as Youngest Dutch Prime Minister

On October 38, 2023, Rob Jetten was sworn in as the youngest Prime Minister of the Netherlands at the age of 38, marking a significant political shift. Jetten, who is openly gay, led the centrist D66 party to a surprising electoral victory, defeating the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) led by Geert Wilders by a razor-thin margin.

His coalition, which includes the centrist CDA and the liberal VVD, falls nine seats short of a parliamentary majority, having secured 66 seats out of 150. The coalition aims to bring the Netherlands back to the heart of Europe and has committed to supporting Ukraine and increasing NATO spending.

However, the government plans to implement budget cuts rather than run a deficit, focusing on immigration control and military investment. Political analyst Sarah de Lang noted that the coalition's approach differs from the previous right-wing government.

Jetten's cabinet was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander, and the coalition seeks broader support to pass significant reforms in parliament.