Jetten Becomes Youngest Dutch PM

Rob Jetten officially took office on Monday after being confirmed by King Willem-Alexander, marking a generational shift in Dutch politics. The 38-year-old leader propelled his progressive, pro-European Democrats 66 (D66) party to a surprise election victory last October, campaigning on optimism and a break from the divisive nationalist era associated with Geert Wilders.

A Rare Minority Coalition

Jetten’s new coalition brings together D66, the conservative Christian Democrats and the right-leaning People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). The arrangement marks an unusual experiment in the euro zone’s fifth-largest economy, traditionally governed by majority coalitions with detailed agreements.

However, the alliance controls only 66 of 150 seats in the lower house and lacks a majority in the upper chamber as well. As a result, every major policy proposal will require negotiation with opposition parties in an increasingly fragmented political landscape.

Defense Spending Sparks Backlash

The coalition’s most controversial pledge is to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, up from roughly 2% today, in line with updated NATO targets. The increase would be financed through a so-called “freedom tax” — a surcharge on income taxes — alongside cuts to welfare programs and healthcare contributions.

Left-wing opposition leader Jesse Klaver criticized the proposal as unfair, arguing that independent assessments show lower-income households would bear a disproportionate burden. “Ordinary people will pay hundreds of euros more, while nothing extra is asked of the richest,” he said.

Wilders has pledged to oppose the government’s initiatives, while several smaller parties have also raised concerns over the fiscal adjustments.

Welfare, Healthcare and Migration Reforms

Beyond defense, the coalition plans to limit unemployment benefits, increase personal healthcare contributions and accelerate the rise in the retirement age in line with life expectancy trends.

It has also promised a strict stance on asylum and migration — a politically sensitive issue that contributed to the collapse of the previous two governments.

Jetten has attempted to frame the minority status as an opportunity for broader parliamentary cooperation after years of political deadlock. He acknowledged that “everybody pays a price” under the proposed reforms but indicated that adjustments could be made in the coming months before the final budget is drafted.

Yesilgöz to Lead Defense Push

Overseeing the defense expansion will be new Defense Minister Dilan Yesilgöz, who assumed leadership of the VVD in 2023 following the departure of former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, now serving as NATO chief.

As Jetten embarks on his premiership, the success of his minority government will hinge on its ability to build cross-party consensus in a fractured political environment while navigating economic and security pressures at home and abroad.