In one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in recent Dutch history, Rob Jetten has led his socially liberal D66 party from the margins of Dutch politics to the brink of power. The 38-year-old’s extraordinary ascent marks not just a personal triumph but a pivotal moment in the Netherlands’ political evolution, where optimism, liberalism, and composure have seemingly triumphed over populist fervor.
Although the final tally is yet to be confirmed, projections suggest that Jetten’s D66 and Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) are tied on 26 seats each — but it is Rob Jetten who stands to claim the mantle of victory. For a leader once derided as “Robot Jetten” for his lack of charisma, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Much of Jetten’s success lies in the convergence of timing, temperament, and tenacity.
After years of turbulence under Mark Rutte’s long tenure and the abrupt collapse of Wilders’ brief coalition, Dutch voters seemed ready for a steadier hand — someone who could blend competence with a message of hope. Rob Jetten’s campaign slogan, Het kan wel (“Yes, it can”), channeled Barack Obama’s inspirational cadence while reflecting a quintessentially Dutch optimism about solving real problems. In a campaign season defined by fear and division, his warmth, discipline, and sheer visibility struck a chord with a weary electorate hungry for reassurance.
From Brabant to The Hague: A quiet rise through the liberal ranks
Rob Jetten’s political story begins far from the glare of The Hague. Raised in the southern province of Brabant, he was by all accounts an earnest and academically inclined child — one who gravitated toward politics early in life. His fascination with governance and social issues made him a self-confessed “politics nerd,” an identity that would shape his worldview and career path. He joined the centrist-liberal D66 party in his youth, drawn to its progressive ideals, emphasis on individual freedom, and socially inclusive ethos.
After a brief stint working for the Dutch rail network ProRail, Jetten entered national politics in 2017 when he was elected to parliament. His rise within D66 was swift, propelled by his organizational diligence and data-driven approach to policy. Party officials recognized in him not a firebrand, but a steady hand — a technocrat who could translate liberal ideals into actionable policy. His early years were marked by his focus on climate policy and youth engagement, and though he initially struggled to connect emotionally with voters, colleagues admired his determination and work ethic.
Jetten’s early leadership experiences were modest and sometimes uneven. When he briefly served as acting parliamentary leader, he faced skepticism over his ability to project authority. But his career took a significant turn when he was appointed climate minister under Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s government.
There, he earned a reputation for energy and focus, even if his bold climate ambitions were tempered by global crises. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered an energy shock that forced the Netherlands, like much of Europe, to recalibrate its green transition. Jetten, though frustrated, learned an invaluable political lesson — that ideals must sometimes bend to the hard realities of governance.
Rob Jetten set to make history as the first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands, following election results #NOH8 pic.twitter.com/5cgVxu6cKs
— NOH8 Campaign (@NOH8Campaign) November 2, 2025
This phase of his career also provided him with a national profile. While his policies were sometimes criticized as overzealous, he was seen as a politician deeply committed to evidence-based solutions. A parliamentary colleague once remarked that he was “pushy” on climate issues — a criticism that might have daunted others but only underscored Jetten’s persistence. Over time, the young minister began to shed the image of an earnest bureaucrat and grow into that of a credible national leader.
Campaign of optimism: Seizing the political moment
The 2023 election had been disastrous for D66. Under Jetten’s leadership, the party slumped to just nine seats, a devastating fall from its second-place finish under his predecessor Sigrid Kaag. Commentators were unsparing, labeling him dull, overly rehearsed, and out of touch with voters. Some even dubbed him “Robot Jetten,” suggesting that his methodical delivery lacked the warmth necessary to inspire. That setback could easily have ended his career. Instead, it became the crucible that transformed him.
In the two years that followed, Jetten reinvented himself. He became more comfortable on camera, his public appearances more confident and personable. Behind the scenes, he built a campaign infrastructure that emphasized discipline, authenticity, and direct engagement. His message — that Dutch politics could still be a force for progress and decency — stood in stark contrast to the polarizing rhetoric of populists like Geert Wilders.
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Crucially, Jetten and D66 were untainted by the political chaos that followed Wilders’ short-lived coalition. When that government collapsed in June over disputes about migration, Jetten was able to present D66 as the stable, constructive alternative. The public’s fatigue with division played directly into his hands.
During the 2025 campaign, Jetten dominated media coverage. He appeared relentlessly on television, exuding calm and clarity while avoiding the combative tone that characterized other candidates. When Wilders cancelled a TV appearance due to security concerns, Jetten seized the opportunity, taking his place and reinforcing his image as a leader unafraid to engage. Even his appearance months earlier on a popular quiz show, The Smartest Person, helped humanize him to audiences who might otherwise have dismissed him as too polished.
His slogan Het kan wel encapsulated his campaign’s emotional appeal. It was not merely a phrase of encouragement but a statement of purpose — a declaration that Dutch society could overcome stagnation, housing shortages, and political cynicism. His positivity contrasted sharply with Wilders’ message of grievance and division, and voters responded to that contrast.
By election night, Jetten’s cheerful demeanor had become his political signature. Reporters joked with him, recalling the days when he was mocked as robotic. His response — “Sometimes it can work out really crazy in politics” — summed up the improbable nature of his rise. In a political culture that values humility and competence, Jetten had found the perfect balance.
The making of a modern liberal leader
If Jetten becomes the next prime minister, he will not only be the Netherlands’ youngest but also its first openly gay leader. While he has never made his sexuality a political banner, he has been open about his experiences and the challenges that shaped him. Years earlier, he had posted a video reading aloud the homophobic abuse he had received online, using it as a powerful statement in support of the International Day Against Homophobia. His willingness to confront prejudice directly, without dramatization or victimhood, endeared him to many who saw in him a model of quiet resilience.
Jetten’s personal life reflects the cosmopolitan spirit he espouses politically. He is engaged to Argentine hockey player Nicolás Keenan, and the couple plan to marry next year. Yet he has maintained a clear separation between his private and professional life, preferring to let his work define his public persona. In an era of performative politics, this restraint has enhanced his credibility.
His leadership style has often been compared to that of Mark Rutte, the long-serving Dutch premier who now heads NATO. Both men share a pragmatic optimism and an almost unflappable calm. Like Rutte, Jetten is known for his long hours and ability to operate on minimal sleep, though he is said to be less gregarious. As party colleague Roy Kramer observed, “Rutte is a chatterbox, Jetten is a bit quieter.” That understatement, however, conceals a steeliness that has become increasingly evident as his political fortunes have risen.
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Looking ahead, Jetten faces formidable challenges. Chief among them is the Netherlands’ chronic housing shortage, with an estimated 400,000 homes needed to meet demand. His promise to build ten new cities has captured public imagination, but it will require deft negotiation and sustained investment. He also inherits a country still grappling with the social divisions amplified during Wilders’ populist surge, and reconciling these tensions will test both his patience and political dexterity.
Moreover, the glow of victory may fade quickly if voters perceive inaction. Jetten has criticized recent Dutch governments for “not really achieving anything impressive for the past 10 to 15 years,” setting expectations high for transformative leadership. Delivering on those expectations while managing coalition dynamics — a perennial feature of Dutch politics — will determine whether his premiership becomes a fleeting phenomenon or a defining chapter in the nation’s liberal legacy.
Jetten’s campaign was not without missteps. During a debate at a university in Rotterdam, he drew criticism for an ill-judged joke about Crown Princess Amalia, suggesting that some in the audience might enjoy training with her if they joined the military. The moderator’s sharp rebuke — “What kind of sexist remark is that?” — momentarily threatened to derail his carefully crafted image. Yet his prompt acknowledgment of error and lack of defensiveness prevented lasting damage, a testament to his political agility.
For all his polish, Jetten’s greatest asset may be his capacity to learn from failure. Each setback — from his early awkwardness in the media to the party’s disastrous 2023 result — has contributed to his evolution into a more self-aware and emotionally intelligent leader. He now combines the discipline of a technocrat with the empathy of a communicator, positioning himself as the face of a rejuvenated liberalism.
Should he assume the premiership, Jetten will embody a generational shift in Dutch politics — one that mirrors broader European trends toward pragmatic centrism and social openness. His story suggests that political success in the 2020s may depend less on fiery ideology than on resilience, authenticity, and a credible promise of competence.
As the Netherlands awaits the official confirmation of results, Rob Jetten stands on the threshold of making history. From his humble beginnings in Brabant to the corridors of power in The Hague, his journey reflects the enduring appeal of optimism in politics. For a nation long accustomed to coalition compromises and incremental change, Jetten’s rise offers a rare sense of renewal — the belief that, indeed, het kan wel.