Mon Feb 23 11:12:51 UTC 2026: ### Dutch King Swears In Youngest-Ever Prime Minister in Minority Coalition Government
The Story:
On February 23, 2026, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands swore in a new three-party minority coalition government. The government is led by Rob Jetten, 38, from the centrist D66 party, making him the youngest Prime Minister in the country’s history. His coalition includes the centre-right Christian Democrats and the centre-right People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague, marking the end of a 117-day period since national elections.
Given that the coalition only holds 66 of the 150 seats in the lower house of Parliament, Jetten will face the immediate challenge of navigating complex negotiations with opposition parties to secure support for any new legislation. The King acknowledged these challenges, wishing the new government good luck “in uncertain times.”
Key Points:
- Date: February 23, 2026
- Location: The Hague, Netherlands
- New Prime Minister: Rob Jetten, D66 (centrist)
- Coalition Parties: D66, Christian Democrats (centre-right), People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (centre-right)
- Parliamentary Seats Held: 66/150 (Minority Government)
- Swearing-In Location: Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch
Key Takeaways:
- The Netherlands has a new minority coalition government, requiring the Prime Minister to engage in extensive cross-party negotiations.
- The selection of a young Prime Minister signals a potential shift in political leadership and priorities.
- The King’s acknowledgment of “uncertain times” suggests the new government faces significant challenges both domestically and internationally.
First Piper 