The Digester

Rob Jetten becomes Netherlands first openly gay and youngest prime minister

Feb 23rd 2026

Rob Jetten, 38, was sworn in on 23 February after his Democrats 66 formed a coalition with the CDA and VVD that is nine seats short of a parliamentary majority.

  • Rob Jetten, 38, was sworn in as prime minister on 23 February.
  • His Democrats 66 party formed a coalition with the Christian Democratic Appeal and the VVD, together holding 66 seats and falling nine short of a majority.
  • He succeeds Dick Schoof after Schoof's government collapsed in summer 2025, triggering snap elections.
  • Jetten ran on a 'yes, we can' message and emphasised immigration and the housing crisis in his campaign.
  • As the first openly gay prime minister, he will rely on support from opposition parties to pass legislation.