Rob Jetten sworn in as youngest-ever Dutch prime minister |LAGOS EYE NEWS

The Netherlands has sworn in 38-year-old Rob Jetten as its youngest-ever prime minister and the country’s first openly gay leader.

Mr Jetten, a centrist politician from Democrats 66 (D66), secured an unexpected victory in October’s general election, defeating the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) led by Geert Wilders.

He takes office 117 days after voters went to the polls, following the collapse of the previous administration led by Dick Schoof in the summer of 2025, which prompted snap elections.

Mr Jetten will head a coalition government formed with the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). The three-party alliance controls 66 of the 150 seats in parliament, meaning it will need support from opposition parties to pass major legislation.

Among its priorities, the new government has pledged to increase defence spending, committing billions of euros in an effort to meet NATO’s target of allocating 5% of gross domestic product to military expenditure. It also plans to press ahead with emissions reductions in the livestock sector as part of wider climate policy reforms.

Mr Jetten’s appointment is being seen as a historic moment for the Netherlands, reflecting both his age and his status as the first openly gay politician to hold the country’s highest office.