The Youngest Prime Minister Takes the Oath
Rob Jetten has been sworn in as the youngest Prime Minister in Dutch history at the age of 38.
Rob Jetten has officially assumed office as the youngest Prime Minister in the history of the Netherlands, taking his oath at the royal palace near The Hague. He leads a minority government formed by three parties, just four months after the election where his party achieved a narrow victory against far-right opponents. The occasion was marked by Jetten's commitment to lead during uncertain times, as expressed by King Willem-Alexander during the ceremony.
At 38, Jetten faces the challenge of governing a coalition composed of his center-right party, the Christian Democratic Appeal, and the Freedom Party. Together, they hold a combined total of 66 seats in the 150-seat Dutch Parliament, indicating a formidable task ahead for Jetten in negotiating policy and garnering support from other parties to ensure legislative success. The potential instability of his minority government could impact decision-making and governance in the coming months.
As Jetten embarks on this new chapter in Dutch politics, his leadership approach will be critical in navigating the complexities of coalition politics in a period described as "uncertain" by the monarch. Observers are keen to see how he will balance the interests of his coalition partners and address pressing national issues while maintaining parliamentary support amidst a diverse political landscape.