Netherlands
Netherlands’ first openly gay PM Rob Jetten takes oath. Meet his partner Nicolás Keenan
Amsterdam/IBNS: Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister Rob Jetten took oath on Monday and is set to head a new Dutch government, media reports said.
Jetten, 38, dislodged the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) with a narrow margin.
His party, Democrats 66 (D66), has formed the government in alliance with the centre-right Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) and the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), but remains short of a parliamentary majority.
Netherlands PM Rob Jetten. Photo: Rob Jetten/Instagram
The coalition has only 66 seats in the 150-member parliament, meaning the government will have to negotiate with opposition parties to pass legislation.
Jetten represents a new generation of European leadership—young, pro-European Union, liberal, and climate-focused. However, his minority government means his leadership will depend heavily on compromise and coalition-building.
On the personal front, Jetten publicly came out as gay in 2018 while serving as parliamentary leader of Democrats 66. He has consistently framed his sexuality as just one part of his identity, rather than the defining feature of his political career.
In interviews, he has said visibility is important, especially for young LGBTQ+ people who may not see themselves represented in leadership positions.
While the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001, it had never had an openly LGBTQ+ head of government before Jetten. His appointment is widely seen as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in European politics.
Rob Jetten (R) with his partner Nicolás Keenan (L) during a summer. Photo: Nicolás Keenan/Instagram
Who is Jetten’s partner?
Jetten has been open about his relationship while maintaining a relatively private personal life.
He is in a long-term relationship with Nicolás Keenan, an Argentine professional field hockey player.
Born in Argentina, Keenan has competed in major international tournaments, including the Olympics, and plays professional club hockey in Europe.
The couple has been together for several years and reportedly met through mutual connections while Jetten was active in national politics. They are now engaged, and Keenan spends part of his time in the Netherlands alongside Jetten’s official responsibilities.
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