By Micah Jonah, January 28, 2026
Leaders of major political parties in the Netherlands have agreed to form a rare minority government following months of negotiations after the parliamentary elections held last October.
The centrist and pro European Union Democrats 66 party, which won the election, will form a coalition with the Christian Democrats and the right wing VVD party. Together, the coalition will control only 66 seats in the 150 seat lower house of parliament.
The coalition also lacks a majority in the upper house Senate, which has the power to block legislation passed by the lower chamber. As a result, the new government will be required to seek support from opposition parties to pass key policies and reforms.
D66 leader, Rob Jetten, aged 38, has been nominated to lead the government and will become the youngest prime minister in the country’s history if confirmed.
Members of parliament from the three parties are expected to approve the coalition agreement in the coming days, while the full policy pact is scheduled to be formally presented on Friday.
Other cabinet appointments will be announced in the weeks ahead, and the government is expected to be officially inaugurated within one month
