New Dutch government under centrist Jetten takes power
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A new Dutch government led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister, officially took power on Monday. Jetten, a centrist, made history by defeating the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) in a stunning election win last October, ending its dominance after 11 months in office. The snap election was called following the PVV’s withdrawal from the previous coalition, which had been the Netherlands’ most right-wing government in recent history.
Jetten’s D66 party has formed a new coalition with the center-right CDA and the liberal VVD, though the alliance will fall nine seats short of a parliamentary majority. Despite this challenge, the parties managed to form their coalition in just 117 days, significantly faster than the previous government’s 223-day formation process. During his swearing-in ceremony at Huis ten Bosch Palace, Jetten emphasized his commitment to combating populist movements with a positive and hopeful message for the country.
This political shift is significant as it marks a potential turning point in the Netherlands’ political landscape, challenging the rise of far-right populism. Jetten’s victory highlights the growing appeal of progressive, centrist politics in countering populist narratives. His leadership offers hope to those advocating for inclusive policies and unity in the face of rising nationalism.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/23/2026