Rob Jetten Claims Victory in Netherlands Election, Set to Become Youngest and First Openly Gay PM

Rob Jetten has claimed a stunning election win in the Netherlands. The 38-year-old leader of the D66 centrist party is set to become the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister. The results mark a significant political shift.

The election was called for Jetten by Dutch news agency ANP. His victory came over far-right leader Geert Wilders in a closely contested race. This outcome is seen as a rejection of populist politics in Europe.

A Narrow Victory and the Path to Government

Final official results are still pending. They await the count of overseas postal votes due this Friday. Historically, these voters have favored centrist or left-wing parties.

According to AFP, Jetten’s D66 party narrowly beat Wilders’s PVV by around 3,000 postal votes in the 2023 election. This history suggests the current lead could hold. Jetten has expressed a desire to start coalition talks quickly.

“We do not want to waste time unnecessarily because the Dutch people are asking us to get to work,” he told reporters. Forming a government requires a coalition that can secure at least 76 seats in the 150-seat parliament.

From Athlete to National Leader

Jetten’s background is unique for a national leader. He was an athlete before entering politics. He once served as a pacemaker for Olympic champion Sifan Hassan.

He grew up in the town of Uden. Both of his parents were teachers. In an interview with his alma mater’s website, he said he always wanted to make the world “a slightly better place.”

Jetten began his parliamentary career at age 30. He became the leader of D66 a year later, making him the youngest person to ever hold that post. His personal journey has also resonated with many voters.

“As I grew up and started discovering my identity, it was quite difficult not to identify with top-level gay athletes,” he told AFP. He is engaged to Argentine international hockey player Nicolas Keenan, with plans to marry next year in Spain.

Rob Jetten’s potential premiership represents a modernizing moment for Dutch politics. His centrist victory signals a new direction for the Netherlands and offers a positive message for the broader European political landscape.

Thought you’d like to know

What are the next steps for forming a government?

Rob Jetten must now form a coalition with other parties. He needs to secure a majority in the 150-seat parliament. This process of negotiations can take several weeks or even months.

How has Geert Wilders reacted to the result?

Geert Wilders has criticized the early victory claim. He called it “arrogant” to declare a win before the official count. Wilders has vowed to strongly oppose a Jetten-led government from the opposition.

What is the significance of this election result for Europe?

Jetten himself stated it shows populist movements can be defeated. The win provides a boost for centrist and pro-European forces. It is being watched closely as a bellwether for other EU nations.

What are the main policy goals of the D66 party?

D66 is a social-liberal party focused on progressive policies. It prioritizes education, climate action, and European integration. The party typically advocates for political and social reforms.

Who is Rob Jetten engaged to?

Rob Jetten is engaged to Nicolas Keenan. Keenan is an international hockey player from Argentina. The couple plans to marry in Spain next year.