Rob Jetten could become the Netherlands’ first openly gay prime minister

In the Netherlands, the far-right suffered a defeat in snap parliamentary elections held on October 29, with the liberal-social-democratic Democrats 66 (D66) party coming out on top.

With 95 percent of the votes counted, D66 and the other main party each won 26 seats in parliament. D66 leader Rob Jetten, 38, is set to become the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister.

Jetten has made a significant comeback in recent weeks with his Obama-esque “Het kan wel” (“We can do it”) campaign. He has become more visible by appearing on television and connecting directly with voters.

During the campaign, he accused far-right politician Geert Wilders of “targeting Muslims by pretending to defend LGBTI+ rights.”

In a message shared on election day, Jetten said:

“Today we are defining the path of our country. Either we will remain stagnant, or together we will close the Wilders page. I want a Netherlands that looks forward, that chooses hope and solidarity.”

Jetten’s victory is seen as a turning point in Dutch politics, both in terms of generation and values.

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