Dutch politician Rob Jetten, 38, is on the verge of making history as both the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister after a strong showing for his centrist Democrats 66 (D66) party in the nation’s parliamentary elections on Wednesday.
Jetten, who began his political career as a sharp-tongued climate minister, spent much of the campaign reshaping his image into a forward-looking, optimistic leader. His new tone, coupled with an energetic “yes, we can” message, resonated with voters eager for hope amid the country’s economic and social divisions.
While D66 is traditionally known for its progressive focus on education and environmental reform, Jetten’s campaign expanded to include hot-button topics such as immigration, housing, and national unity. In doing so, he drew support from voters who had previously leaned toward right-wing parties, creating a surprising late surge in support.
“Together we can beat Wilders. I am ready,” Jetten wrote on Instagram the morning of the election, referring to far-right politician Geert Wilders, whose populist message has dominated Dutch politics for years.
A Campaign Built on Hope and Inclusion
Jetten positioned himself as a unifier in contrast to Wilders’ divisive rhetoric. During debates and public appearances, he accused Wilders of “hijacking” Dutch identity and using support for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights as a weapon against Muslims. Instead, Jetten called for “positive forces” to take the lead in rebuilding trust in the political system.
“Rob is without a doubt one of the most talented politicians the Netherlands has ever had,” said Kajsa Ollongren, a fellow D66 member and defense minister who previously served alongside Jetten. “If he wins as the exit polls suggest, he’ll want to unite the country and turn around the negative spiral that Wilders has pushed it into.”
If confirmed as prime minister, Jetten’s victory would mark a historic milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in global politics. The Netherlands already holds the distinction of being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, 25 years ago. Jetten’s rise continues that legacy, though his sexuality has played a minimal role in his campaign, a sign, many analysts say, of how normalized LGBTQ+ acceptance has become in Dutch society.
A Leader Grounded in Optimism
Known for his friendly and approachable demeanor, Jetten has also become something of a social media favorite. His lighthearted “bromance” with another Dutch politician once went viral on TikTok, a moment that unexpectedly led him to meet his now-fiancé, Nicolas Keenan, an Argentinian professional hockey player. The two are set to marry next August.
Politically, Jetten has pledged to tackle the country’s growing housing crisis by constructing ten new towns and to reform the asylum system. His proposal would allow asylum applications to be filed from outside the European Union, a move he argues would curb illegal immigration while still protecting those fleeing violence.
“People who are truly escaping war and persecution should be received in a decent way,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to both compassion and accountability.
Standing Firm Against Extremism
Despite his optimistic tone, Jetten’s campaign has faced threats from extremists. The D66 headquarters in The Hague was vandalized during an anti-migration protest earlier this month. Rather than retreating, Jetten publicly condemned political violence, vowing to continue championing democratic values.
Images of the candidate calmly addressing reporters as shards of glass crunched beneath his feet became symbolic of his resilience, and his message of perseverance in the face of division.
If Jetten successfully forms a coalition and takes office, he will not only make history but also signal a new chapter in Dutch politics, one where optimism, empathy, and inclusion lead the way.
