Rob Jetten Becomes Netherlands’ Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister | 26 Feb 2026

Why in News?

Rob Jetten has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, making history as both the youngest person and the first openly gay leader of the country. He assumed office in February 2026. 

Key Points:

• Historic Leadership: Rob Jetten became the youngest prime minister in Dutch history at 38 and the first openly gay person to lead the Netherlands, highlighting progress in LGBTQ+ representation in politics.
  • He leads a three‑party minority coalition composed of his centrist Democrats 66 (D66) party, the centre‑right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), which together hold 66 of the 150 seats in the lower house. 
• Swearing‑In Ceremony: The new government was sworn in by King Willem Alexander at the Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague. 
• Political Background: Jetten’s political career began in 2010 at the municipal level. 
  • He entered the Dutch House of Representatives in 2017 and later served as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy and as Deputy Prime Minister before becoming PM.
• Significance: Jetten’s leadership is seen as a milestone for inclusion and diversity, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, in a country known for advancing equal rights (the Netherlands was the first to legalise same‑sex marriage in 2001).