As the world marks the fourth year of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, the Netherlands ushered in a new generation of leadership, with 38-year-old Rob Jetten sworn in as the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister.
In a statement dated Feb. 25, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) said its member parties — Democrats 66 (D66) and People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) — successfully formed the Netherlands’ first minority government in decades, sealing a coalition deal in just 117 days, nearly half the time of the previous negotiations.
The October elections saw liberals defeat far-right leader Geert Wilders, in what ALDE described as “a success story amidst the wave of European populism,” as “positive political messaging brought people together instead of polarization and far-right fearmongering.”
D66 nearly tripled its representation, securing 26 seats in the new parliament.
Sworn in by Willem-Alexander in The Hague, Jetten signaled continuity in Dutch support for Kyiv as Europe grapples with prolonged war and geopolitical uncertainty.
“With this week marking four years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Jetten’s government vows to continue the strong support in the face of Putin’s Russia,” ALDE said, noting plans to increase defense funding to meet NATO commitments.
Jetten shared a post during the swearing-in process, saying: “Proud to be able to do this together. In a new phase, with great responsibility and above all a shared promise to commit ourselves to everyone in the Netherlands.”
The new coalition has outlined priorities including raising defense spending, cutting emissions from the livestock industry, and tightening migration laws.
ALDE said liberals are pushing for a progressive cabinet, with D66 providing seven ministers and VVD six, as the Netherlands positions itself firmly within Europe’s pro-Ukraine and pro-democracy bloc at a time of rising populism across the continent.