The Netherlands is poised to get its youngest and first openly gay prime minister, -year-old Rob Jetten, leader of the Democrats 66 (D66) party. While the final results are still being tallied, projections indicate a victory for D66, surpassing the populist Geert Wilders, who was previously expected to lead the next government.
Jetten’s rise has been described as “extraordinary,” having propelled his party from fifth place to the top spot in Dutch politics in under two years. This turnaround is attributed to a combination of factors, including a positive campaign message centered around the slogan “Het kan wel” – a Dutch adaptation of Barack Obama’s “Yes, we can” – and a perceived lack of divisiveness compared to Wilders’ rhetoric. He successfully filled airtime during the campaign, even appearing on a televised quiz show, capitalizing on opportunities when Wilders cancelled appearances.
The incoming coalition government will be comprised of D66, the VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy), and the CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal). , it was confirmed that the coalition will include 28 members: 18 ministers and 10 state secretaries. The cabinet is scheduled to be sworn in by King Willem-Alexander on . However, two D66 state secretary roles – for Justice and for Finance – remain pending.
Jetten’s political career has been steadily ascending. He served as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy from , to , and briefly as First Deputy Prime Minister from , to , both within the fourth Rutte cabinet. Prior to that, he held positions as a member of the House of Representatives from , to , and again from to the present. He also served on the Nijmegen Municipal Council from , to .
The transition from climate minister to potential prime minister reflects a strategic shift in Jetten’s public image. He moved away from being perceived as a focused, but perhaps rigid, advocate for climate policy, to a more broadly appealing figure offering optimism and a message of possibility. This repositioning proved effective in resonating with voters, particularly in contrast to Wilders’ more divisive approach.
The composition of the Jetten I Cabinet, as This proves being referred to, reveals key ministerial appointments. Tom Berendsen (CDA) will serve as Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (D66) will be Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. David van Weel (VVD) is slated to be Minister of Justice and Safety. Other notable appointments include Pieter Heerma (CDA) as Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations, and Eelco Heinen (VVD) as Minister of Finance. Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD) will hold the position of Vice Premier and Minister of Defense.
The incoming government faces a complex set of challenges, including navigating the economic landscape, addressing concerns about migration – a key issue that led to the collapse of the previous government – and continuing the Netherlands’ commitment to climate goals. Jetten’s background as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy suggests that environmental issues will remain a priority, but the coalition agreement with the VVD and CDA will likely require a more balanced approach.
Jetten’s potential premiership is also significant for its symbolic value. If confirmed, he will become the Netherlands’ first openly gay prime minister, marking a milestone in the country’s social and political landscape. This aspect of his candidacy resonated with voters and contributed to his appeal as a progressive and inclusive leader.
The formation of the Jetten I Cabinet follows a period of political instability in the Netherlands. The previous government, led by Mark Rutte, collapsed in June following disagreements over migration policy within the coalition. This led to a snap election in November, which ultimately paved the way for Jetten’s D66 party to emerge as the leading force in Dutch politics.
The confirmation of most ministerial and state secretary positions signals a move towards stability, but the pending appointments for the D66 state secretary roles for Justice and Finance indicate that final negotiations and considerations are still underway. The swearing-in ceremony on will formally mark the beginning of the Jetten government and its agenda for the Netherlands.
