The new minority coalition government in the Netherlands took office on Monday after its representatives swore an oath before King Willem-Alexander. Rob Jetten, the leader of the liberal pro-European D66 party, has made history by becoming the youngest prime minister and the first openly gay leader of the country. His party surprisingly won the elections last October, which was highlighted by news agencies such as Reuters and AFP. Jetten expressed pride and responsibility in a post on social media prior to the inauguration ceremony, emphasizing a shared commitment to the well-being of all Dutch citizens.

In his official statement, Jetten noted the honor it is to assume the role of prime minister, highlighting the cooperation with the Christian Democrats (CDA) and the center-right liberal VVD party that forms the new government alongside D66. However, according to reports from Reuters and AP, Jetten's administration faces significant challenges, as the three coalition parties together hold only 66 seats out of 150 in the lower house of the Dutch parliament. This precarious position could complicate governance and hinder the implementation of key policies.

The new government is entering a critical phase in Dutch politics, with Jetten at the helm tasked with rallying support not only within the coalition but also among the public and opposition parties. The focus on progressive and European-oriented policies may create both opportunities and tensions as the administration seeks to navigate the complexities of contemporary political demands. Jetten's leadership may also inspire discussions around representation and diversity in political roles in the Netherlands and beyond.