The Netherlands is set to inaugurate a novel cabinet led by D66 leader Rob Jetten on February 23, 2026, following months of complex negotiations after the general election on October 29, 2025. The incoming coalition will be a minority government comprised of D66, the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA).
The formation process began with the appointment of Wouter Koolmees as scout on November 4, 2025, tasked with exploring potential coalition options following the election results. Initial discussions were hampered by significant disagreements, notably the VVD’s reluctance to partner with GroenLinks-PvdA, and D66’s opposition to a coalition including both JA21 and the VVD. These early hurdles led to a period of exploratory talks guided by informateurs Sybrand Buma and later Rianne Letschert.
A key sticking point throughout the negotiations was D66 leader Rob Jetten’s firm stance against collaborating with JA21 and the VVD. In early December 2025, Jetten publicly stated that a coalition including these parties was “not a workable path,” asserting that a right-center government lacked sufficient support in both houses of parliament. This position followed criticism regarding his previous ambiguity on potential coalition partners.
Despite these challenges, D66, VVD, and CDA ultimately reached an agreement and presented their coalition plan on January 30, 2026. Rob Jetten was subsequently designated as the formateur, initiating the process of selecting ministers and state secretaries, which began on February 3, 2026. The composition of the House of Representatives following the 2025 election includes 26 seats for D66, 22 for VVD, 18 for CDA, and 9 for JA21, among other parties.
The incoming Jetten cabinet succeeds the previous Schoof cabinet, which was formed after a protracted cabinet formation process following the 2023-2024 elections and included the Party for Freedom (PVV), VVD, New Social Contract (NSC), and Farmer–Citizen Movement (BBB). Jetten is currently meeting with prospective cabinet members as the final preparations for the swearing-in ceremony proceed.
