New era of Dutch politics opens as Jetten is sworn in to lead minority coalition - AP News
AP News
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A new chapter in Dutch politics began as Mark Rutte’s successor, Christiaan Karman Jetten, was sworn in as Prime Minister, leading a minority coalition government. This marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, as Jetten’s party, the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), holds only 34 seats in the 150-seat parliament. To govern effectively, Jetten will need to rely on the support of opposition parties, including the progressive Democrats 66 (D66) and the environmentalist GreenLeft, among others.
The formation of this minority coalition is a response to the fragmented political environment in the Netherlands, where no single party secures a majority. This approach reflects a growing trend in Dutch politics, with the last five years seeing three consecutive minority governments. Jetten’s ability to build consensus and maintain stability will be critical to his success.
This development signals a broader shift in Dutch governance, emphasizing collaboration over competition. If successful, Jetten’s government could set a precedent for future leaders, demonstrating how minority coalitions can effectively manage national priorities despite political divisions.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/23/2026