Dutch Politician Rob Jetten Named Leader of Democrats 66
Rob Jetten has been appointed leader of the Dutch political party Democrats 66 (D66), the party announced on August 12, 2023. Jetten succeeds Sigrid Kaag in the role.
Born on March 25, 1987, in Veghel, Netherlands, Jetten has held several positions within the Dutch government. He served as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy from January 10, 2022, to July 2, 2024, and as First Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands from January 8, 2024, to July 2, 2024, in the fourth Rutte cabinet. His appointment as First Deputy Prime Minister followed that of Sigrid Kaag, and he was succeeded by Fleur Agema in that role.
Prior to these roles, Jetten served as a member of the House of Representatives, beginning on March 23, 2017, and continuing through January 10, 2022, and again from December 6, 2023. He as well held the position of Leader of the Democrats 66 in the House of Representatives from December 6, 2023, succeeding Jan Paternotte. He previously held this position from October 9, 2018, to September 28, 2021, following Alexander Pechtold.
Jetten’s political career began on the local level, serving as a member of the Nijmegen Municipal Council from March 11, 2010, to March 29, 2017. He also served as President of the Young Democrats from October 2008 to October 2009.
Jetten holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree from Radboud University. He is currently in a domestic partnership with Nicolás Keenan. The leadership change within D66 comes as the Netherlands navigates evolving energy policies and climate goals, making Jetten’s role as a key figure in the country’s political landscape increasingly significant.
Following his term as Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Sophie Hermans assumed the role as Minister of Climate and Green Growth. Steven van Weyenberg succeeded Jetten as Acting Minister of Finance on January 12, 2024.
