Who is Rob Jetten, the youngest new Dutch premier in history
The liberal leader of D66 is the youngest and first openly gay head of government in the country's history
At 38, Rob Jetten enters Dutch political history, becoming the country's youngest prime minister and the first openly homosexual to lead a government in The Hague. The oath of office, taken on Monday, marks a generational and cultural shift in one of Europe's most progressive democracies.
Before him, the record for the youngest premier belonged to the Christian Democrat Ruud Lubbers, who took office in 1982 at the age of 43 and went on to become one of the longest-serving leaders in national history. Today, the baton passes to a centrist, pro-European and avowedly reformist exponent, called upon to govern with fragile parliamentary numbers.
From 'Robot' fame to television popularity
A veteran of national politics despite his age, Jetten entered Parliament in 2017 with the liberal-progressive Democrats 66 (D66) party, of which he is now leader. In his early days he earned the nickname 'Robot' for his tendency to repeat prepared and unspontaneous answers in front of journalists.
Over the years, his image has transformed. A more relaxed and straightforward style, constant use of social media and participation up to the final of the prime-time TV quiz show The Smartest Person have helped broaden support beyond the perimeter of the traditional liberal electorate.
The personal dimension is an integral part of his public narrative. The premier regularly posts pictures with his partner, Argentinean Nicolás Keenan, bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympics with the national hockey team. After the early election victory in October, Jetten shared a snap in which the two embrace, accompanied by a bilingual message of thanks for the 'unconditional support'. A signal consistent with the civil trajectory of the country, first in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001.
