The Netherlands has a new prime minister. Rob Jetten, at just 38 years old, has been sworn in as the youngest leader in Dutch history, heading a new minority coalition government. The coalition brings together Jetten’s centrist D66 party, the conservative Christian Democrats (CDA), and the right‑wing VVD. Together, however, they hold only 66 of 150 seats in the lower house of parliament, leaving them without a majority.
Minority governments are rare in the Netherlands, where stability traditionally comes from broad parliamentary majorities. Jetten’s cabinet will now face the challenge of passing legislation on a case‑by‑case basis, negotiating with opposition parties across the political spectrum to gain support for each proposal.
Key priorities for the new government include increasing defense spending to meet NATO’s 3.5 percent GDP target by 2035. To finance these plans, the cabinet has proposed a combination of taxes and welfare adjustments — measures that have already sparked criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups.
Political analysts warn that governing without a majority will demand constant compromise. The coalition will need to forge flexible alliances depending on the issue, whether it concerns defense, healthcare, welfare reforms, or migration policies. Opposition figures, including right‑wing politician Geert Wilders, have already signaled resistance to the government’s agenda.
The formation of this cabinet follows the collapse of the previous government and highlights the increasing fragmentation of Dutch politics. For Jetten, the coming months will test his ability to balance ambitious policy goals with the realities of parliamentary negotiation and compromise.
As the youngest prime minister in Dutch history, Jetten now faces the difficult task of proving that a minority government can govern effectively in a highly polarized political environment.
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