Rob Jetten: anti-Wilders, ‘yes we can’ candidate poised to be next Dutch PM

The GuardianThursday, October 30, 2025 at 2:12:09 PM
Rob Jetten: anti-Wilders, ‘yes we can’ candidate poised to be next Dutch PM
Rob Jetten, the candidate from the liberal-progressive D66 party, is emerging as a strong contender for the next Prime Minister of the Netherlands following significant gains in the recent elections. His background as a former junior athlete and his positive vision resonate with voters, positioning him as a refreshing alternative to Geert Wilders. This shift in leadership could signal a new direction for Dutch politics, emphasizing progressive values and inclusivity, which is crucial in today's polarized environment.
— Curated by the World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended Readings
Who is Rob Jetten, tipped to become the next Dutch prime minister?
PositiveWorld Affairs
Rob Jetten, a prominent figure in the D66 party, is emerging as a strong candidate for the next Dutch prime minister, despite the tight race against Geert Wilders' far-right Party for Freedom. With major parties ruling out a coalition with Wilders, Jetten's energetic leadership could steer the Netherlands towards a more centrist approach. His potential rise to power is significant as it reflects a shift in Dutch politics and the public's response to immigration issues, making it a pivotal moment for the country's future.
Far-right loses ground as centrists surge in Dutch elections
PositiveWorld Affairs
In a significant shift, the recent Dutch elections have shown a decline in support for Geert Wilders' far-right Freedom Party, indicating a surge in centrist political support. This change is crucial as it reflects a growing public sentiment against extreme political ideologies, suggesting a desire for more moderate governance in the Netherlands.
Dutch centrists D66 back in lead in election vote count, edging past far-right PVV – as it happened
PositiveWorld Affairs
The Dutch centrist party D66 has taken the lead in the election vote count, surpassing the far-right PVV by over 15,000 votes. This development positions D66 to spearhead negotiations for forming the next government, which is crucial for shaping the country's future policies. Joost Eerdmans from the right-wing JA21 party has provided insights on the timeline for government formation, indicating a collaborative approach among potential coalition partners. This shift in leadership reflects a significant moment in Dutch politics, highlighting the electorate's preference for centrist governance.
Geert Wilders faces shutout as centrists hail huge gains in knife-edge Dutch election
NegativeWorld Affairs
In the recent Dutch election, Geert Wilders and his far-right Freedom Party faced a significant setback, likely being excluded from the next government. The liberal D66 party made impressive gains, tying with Wilders' party at 26 seats each in the parliament. This shift is crucial as it reflects a growing rejection of far-right politics in the Netherlands, indicating a preference for more centrist and progressive governance among voters.
Pro-European liberal Rob Jetten could become youngest and first openly gay Dutch prime minister
PositiveWorld Affairs
The recent Dutch election has resulted in a surprising cliffhanger, with pro-European liberal Rob Jetten potentially poised to become the youngest and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands. With both Jetten's party and the far-right Freedom Party led by Geert Wilders projected to win 26 seats each, this election outcome is significant not only for its political implications but also for its representation in leadership. It highlights a shift in Dutch politics and the increasing acceptance of diverse identities in high office.
Tough coalition talks ahead as Dutch centre left and far right tie in election
NeutralWorld Affairs
The recent Dutch snap election has resulted in a tight race between the centre-left D66 party and the far-right Party for Freedom, leading to a challenging coalition-building process ahead. Regardless of who officially wins, it appears that D66 leader Rob Jentten is poised to become the next prime minister, as many parties have ruled out collaborating with Geert Wilders. This situation is significant as it reflects the shifting political landscape in the Netherlands and the complexities of forming a stable government.
Dutch centrist liberals neck and neck with populist Wilders in tight election
NeutralWorld Affairs
In the Netherlands, the centrist liberal party D66, led by Rob Jetten, is in a tight race with populist leader Geert Wilders as election results come in. With most votes counted, the outcome remains uncertain, highlighting the competitive political landscape in the country. This election is significant as it reflects the ongoing tensions between traditional parties and rising populist movements, which could shape future policies and governance.
Volkswagen indicates shortage of Chinese chips would hit profits
NegativeWorld Affairs
Volkswagen has warned that its profit targets for the year are at risk due to a looming shortage of computer chips from China, which could impact car manufacturers across Europe. While the company is launching new electric vehicle models and implementing cost-cutting measures to counteract a decline in demand from China, the uncertainty surrounding semiconductor availability poses a significant challenge. This situation highlights the ongoing supply chain issues that continue to affect the automotive industry, making it crucial for companies to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
Latest from World Affairs
Letting agent apologises for 'oversight' on Reeves rental licence
NegativeWorld Affairs
A letting agent has issued an apology for failing to secure a necessary rental licence for a property managed by them. The oversight occurred when the property manager promised to apply for the licence but ultimately did not follow through. This situation highlights the importance of compliance in the rental market, as such oversights can lead to legal issues and affect tenants' rights.
Trump caps refugee admissions at record low - with most to be white South Africans
NegativeWorld Affairs
President Trump's decision to cap refugee admissions at a record low of 7,500 for the upcoming year marks a significant reduction from the previous limit of 125,000. This policy shift has raised concerns about the implications for vulnerable populations seeking asylum, particularly as the majority of the new admissions will be white South Africans. This move is seen as controversial and may affect the U.S.'s global standing on humanitarian issues.
Senate passes bill to nullify Trump’s sweeping global tariffs on more than 100 nations – US politics live
PositiveWorld Affairs
The Senate has passed a bill to nullify former President Trump's extensive global tariffs affecting over 100 nations, with a vote of 51-47. This bipartisan effort follows earlier resolutions aimed at repealing tariffs on Canada and Brazil. The move is significant as it reflects a shift in U.S. trade policy and could enhance international relations, potentially benefiting American consumers and businesses by lowering prices on imported goods.
Reeves says she should have checked rental licence had been obtained as letting agent apologises – UK politics live
NeutralWorld Affairs
Rachel Reeves has acknowledged that she should have verified whether a rental license was obtained, following an apology from the letting agent involved. This situation has sparked discussions in UK politics, particularly with No 10 releasing redacted emails related to the matter. ITV's political editor, Robert Peston, argues that it is unwise for the Conservatives to demand Reeves' resignation over this issue. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of political figures and the importance of transparency in their dealings.
Trump administration sets lowest-ever cap on refugee admissions to U.S.
NegativeWorld Affairs
The Trump administration has set the lowest cap on refugee admissions to the U.S. since the program began in 1980, focusing primarily on resettling Afrikaners from South Africa. This decision is significant as it reflects a shift in U.S. immigration policy, potentially limiting opportunities for many vulnerable populations seeking asylum and safety in America.
Man jailed after burgling Damien Hirst's studio while wearing GPS tag
NegativeWorld Affairs
A man has been sentenced to prison after breaking into the studio of renowned artist Damien Hirst while wearing a GPS tag. This incident highlights the ongoing issues of art theft and security, especially concerning high-profile artists. The case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the most famous figures face in protecting their creative spaces.