Novel Dutch Government Takes Office Under Prime Minister Jetten
The Netherlands welcomed a new government on Monday, February 23, 2026, with Rob Jetten of the D66 party being sworn in as Prime Minister. The ceremony took place at the Huis Ten Bosch Palace in The Hague, the official residence of King Willem-Alexander MSN.
Cabinet Composition
The new coalition government is comprised of D66, VVD, and CDA, totaling 28 members: 18 ministers and 10 state secretaries NL Times. While most state secretary positions have been confirmed, appointments for Justice and Finance remain pending.
Key ministerial appointments include:
- Prime Minister and General Affairs: Rob Jetten (D66)
- Foreign Affairs: Tom Berendsen (CDA)
- Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation: Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (D66)
- Justice and Safety: David van Weel (VVD)
- Interior and Kingdom Relations: Pieter Heerma (CDA)
- Housing and Spatial Planning: Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan (D66)
- Education, Culture, and Science: Rianne Letschert (D66)
- Finance: Eelco Heinen (VVD)
- Defense: Dilan Yesilgöz (VVD)
Swearing-In Ceremony Traditions
The swearing-in ceremony, which has been open to the public since 2012, is steeped in tradition. Ministers can choose to swear an oath (“So truly aid me God Almighty”) or make a promise (“That I declare and promise”). They also have the option to do so in Frisian, the Netherlands’ second official language MSN.
Male ministers traditionally wear morning suits during the ceremony, with the King also donning a tailcoat. A change to dark suits is required for the subsequent official photograph on the palace steps, a tradition stemming from Queen Juliana’s preference to avoid being pictured with what she termed “a bunch of undertakers” MSN. A room within the palace serves as a shared dressing room for this transition.
Post-Swearing-In Activities
Following the ceremony, cabinet members will travel to their respective ministries for portfolio transfers and briefings. The first Council of Ministers meeting will be held in the afternoon at a temporary location due to renovations at the Binnenhof. The cabinet will present itself to the media at the Catshuis later in the evening MSN.
Recent Royal Interactions
Prior to the swearing-in, King Willem-Alexander received Rob Jetten, Geert Wilders, and Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius at Huis ten Bosch on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in their roles as party leaders RTL Boulevard, Vorsten.