Rob Jetten Makes Dutch Political History as Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister
Rob Jetten has officially entered the history books of the Netherlands. At just 38 years old, his swearing-in ceremony at Huis ten Bosch Palace in The Hague marked a dual milestone: he became the country's youngest-ever prime minister and its first openly gay head of government.
A Narrow Victory and Fragile Coalition
Jetten's political ascent followed a closely contested election in October, where his Democrats 66 (D66) party narrowly defeated Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV). Subsequently, Jetten formed a centre-right minority coalition with the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA).
This coalition, however, faces significant challenges. Without a parliamentary majority, major policy initiatives must be negotiated on a vote-by-vote basis in both houses of parliament. Key reforms on the agenda include allocating an additional €19 billion for defence spending while implementing cuts to healthcare and social benefits.
Jetten succeeds Dick Schoof, whose administration was among the shortest-lived in recent Dutch political memory, setting the stage for a potentially turbulent tenure.
The 'First Gentleman in Waiting': Nico Keenan
Alongside this political landmark, public attention has naturally turned to Jetten's partner, Nico Keenan. The Argentine field hockey player now informally assumes the unprecedented symbolic role of the Netherlands' first "First Gentleman in Waiting."
On the morning of the historic swearing-in, Keenan shared a poignant moment on social media. He posted a short video to TikTok and Instagram showing Jetten in formal morning dress, preparing to depart for the palace. The caption simply read, "It's today," accompanied by a face holding back tears emoji, capturing the emotional weight of the occasion.
From Buenos Aires to The Hague: Keenan's Journey
Nico Keenan was born in Buenos Aires and has proudly represented Argentina on the international hockey stage. His athletic career highlights include:
- Being part of the national squad that reached the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Helping Argentina return to the last eight at the subsequent Paris Olympic Games.
- Living in The Hague for several years prior, where he played for the prestigious field hockey club HC Klein Zwitserland.
A Modern Love Story: From Supermarket Encounters to Engagement
The couple's origin story has become a charming part of their public narrative. They first connected in The Hague in 2022, with Jetten reportedly "sliding into the DMs" of the Argentine athlete after repeatedly spotting him in local supermarkets and coffee shops around the city.
While Jetten had been publicly out for almost the entirety of his political career, Keenan's journey toward public visibility was more complex and personal. He has spoken candidly about early hesitations:
- He once panicked and asked Jetten to delete a supportive comment the politician left under one of his Instagram posts after a hockey match.
- On another occasion, he pretended not to know Jetten when they unexpectedly ran into friends during a breakfast outing.
In 2023, Keenan publicly came out as bisexual. Reflecting later on those earlier, more guarded experiences, he noted they reminded him of themes explored in the TV show "Heated Rivalry," which depicts professional ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov grappling with their feelings while competing at the sport's highest level.
The couple announced their engagement in November 2024, several months after the Paris Olympics. Dutch media reports indicate they are planning their wedding for the summer of 2026.
A Symbolic Shift in European Leadership
With his inauguration, Rob Jetten joins a small but growing group of openly LGBTQ heads of government or state across Europe. While Nico Keenan's role as partner carries no formal constitutional authority, his visible presence alongside a sitting prime minister represents a meaningful cultural shift. It signals evolving norms within both the traditionally conservative arena of high-level politics and the world of international sport, where personal identity and public life increasingly intersect.
