Dutch politics enters new era as Jetten sworn in to lead minority coalition

King Willem-Alexander swore in Rob Jetten as prime minister of a three-party minority coalition that holds 66 of 150 lower house seats, meaning the government will need opposition support to pass legislation.

King Willem-Alexander swore in Rob Jetten as prime minister on Monday, marking the start of a new minority coalition government. Jetten, 38, is the Netherlands' youngest-ever and first openly gay prime minister. The coalition combines centrist D66 with the center-right Christian Democrats and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. Because the three parties hold only 66 of the lower house's 150 seats, the government must seek support from opposition lawmakers for each piece of legislation. Key facts: - The coalition is made up of D66, the Christian Democrats and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy. - Together the parties hold 66 of 150 seats in the lower house, making it a minority government. - The newly merged Green Left and Labor bloc has expressed opposition to proposed cuts to health care and welfare. - Cabinet posts are shared among the parties; Tom Berendsen is named foreign minister, Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius is defense minister, and Eelco Heinen remains finance minister. - Jetten has said he wants to reset the Netherlands' role in the European Union and pledged continued support for Ukraine. Summary: The government begins with a narrow parliamentary position that will require negotiating with opposition parties to advance its agenda. Its stated priorities include rebuilding the Netherlands' role in the EU and maintaining support for Ukraine, while proposed health and welfare cuts have already drawn objections. Parliamentary negotiations and responses from opposition blocs will shape the government's immediate path forward.