Netherlands appoints first out gay and youngest Prime Minister

The Netherlands has appointed its first and youngest openly gay prime minister.

The Netherlands’ new government was sworn in on Monday (February 23), with Rob Jetten sworn in as the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister.

Jetten, leader of the Democratic Party of 66 (D66), won last October’s election by defeating the far-right Freedom Party (PVV).

He will succeed Dick Schouffe, whose government collapsed in the summer of 2025 and a snap election was held.

The 38-year-old centrist D66 has formed a coalition with the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal CDA party and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). However, with only 66 seats, nine short of a parliamentary majority, Jetten will be dependent on opposition support.

His campaign’s success was due in part to a proliferation of ads pushing the message “Yes, we can,” allowing the party to focus on divisive issues like immigration and the housing crisis.

As part of the party’s image transformation, Mr Jetten challenged far-right leader Geert Wilders, accusing him of only defending LGBTQ+ rights in order to demonize Muslims.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Jetten wrote: “I’m proud to be doing this together. A new phase, with great responsibility, and above all with a joint commitment to work for everyone in the Netherlands.”

This post has been flooded with blessings and green hearts.

Jetten’s fiance, hockey player Nicholas Keenan, previously spoke to Pink News about what this country’s gay prime minister can represent and what it means to be by his side in public life.

“People are really looking forward to his cycle as prime minister because the Dutch people are ready for new energy and he brings a lot of energy, a lot of positive energy,” Keenan said.

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