Rob Jetten poised to become Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister

Jetten would not only become the youngest Prime Minister in Dutch history but also the first openly gay leader of the country. He is engaged to Nicolás Keenan, an Argentine men’s hockey player, and the two are set to marry next year. The couple met in a supermarket, a story that has since captured public attention.

This potential outcome marks a major setback for Wilders, whose campaign focused on opposition to Muslim immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate policies. Wilders had earlier made headlines in India for publicly supporting Nupur Sharma, the now-suspended BJP leader, following her controversial remarks about Prophet Muhammad in 2022.

From viral TikTok to political spotlight

Jetten first gained nationwide recognition in 2021 when a lighthearted “bromance” TikTok video featuring him and a fellow Dutch politician went viral. The video, showing them laughing and dancing, made Jetten popular among young voters.

Around the same time, he met Nicolás Keenan—who competes both for Argentina’s national hockey team and in the European league. Jetten later said in an interview that he never imagined a TikTok trend would change his life so dramatically. The couple got engaged in November 2024.

A campaign built on optimism and unity

Jetten’s campaign stood out for its positive and inclusive message. His slogan, “Yes, we can”, resonated strongly with voters, emphasizing solutions to issues like the housing crisis, rising healthcare costs, migration, and climate change.

“We’ve proven that it’s possible to defeat populists and the far-right,” Jetten said after the exit polls were released. “Millions of Dutch people have rejected negativity and chosen progress.”

From ‘Robot Jetten’ to people’s favourite

Born in 1987, Jetten began his political career in 2017 as a Member of Parliament. He served as Minister for Climate and Energy from 2022 to 2024 and later as Deputy Prime Minister from January to July 2024.

Once nicknamed “Robot Jetten” for his stiff on-camera demeanour, he has since reinvented himself as a more approachable and charismatic leader. In the 2023 elections, D66 had won only nine seats, but under Jetten’s leadership, the party has made a remarkable comeback.

Jetten has accused Wilders of trying to “hijack Dutch identity” and vowed to build a strong, stable coalition that bridges the centre-left and moderate right.

“Let’s dream big and take bold steps,” he told supporters after the polls. “The Netherlands will move forward again.”

Meanwhile, Wilders has said he will do everything possible to stop D66 from leading the next government, though most Dutch parties have already ruled out forming a coalition with his PVV.