THE HAGUE, Netherlands — King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands officially installed a new coalition government on Monday, with 38-year-old Rob Jetten taking the helm as the country’s youngest prime minister in history.
Jetten will lead a three-party minority government comprising his centrist D66 party, the Christian Democrats, and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy. The coalition controls just 66 seats in the 150-member parliament, meaning Jetten must build consensus with opposition members to advance any legislative agenda and complete a full four-year term.
The swearing-in ceremony took place in the elaborate Orange Hall at the royal palace located in a wooded area near The Hague. During the proceedings, King Willem-Alexander offered his best wishes to the new administration for success during these “uncertain times.”
Environmental activists from Extinction Rebellion gathered outside the palace gates during the ceremony, blowing sirens while the newly appointed ministers posed for their official photograph.
After completing the customary cabinet photo on the palace steps, the administration planned to hold its inaugural cabinet session that afternoon.
Taking to social media platform X, Jetten expressed that serving as prime minister represents “an enormous honor to be able to get to work.”
The government formation process took 117 days following national elections where Jetten’s party secured a slim victory over Geert Wilders’ anti-Islam Party for Freedom. The final outcome wasn’t determined until postal votes were tallied in what marked the Netherlands’ fourth national election since 2017, reflecting the country’s fragmented political landscape.
The new administration assumes power just one day before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s comprehensive invasion of Ukraine. Jetten has committed to maintaining the Netherlands’ robust support for Ukraine in its conflict against Vladimir Putin’s forces.
Additionally, Jetten has indicated plans to continue increasing defense spending to strengthen Dutch military capabilities amid current global uncertainties.
