Historic Change: Netherlands Welcomes New Prime Minister After 14 Years

The Netherlands has a new prime minister for the first time in 14 years. After seven months of negotiations, Dick Schoof was sworn in by King Willem-Alexander. The anti-immigration and anti-Islam party led by Geert Wilders had won the most seats, leading to a long coalition formation process.

The Netherlands has experienced a seismic political shift as it welcomes Dick Schoof as the new prime minister for the first time in 14 years. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Tuesday, concluding more than seven months of post-election negotiations.

Last year’s elections saw the party led by the controversial Geert Wilders win the highest number of seats. Known for its anti-immigration and anti-Islam stance, the party's victory delayed coalition formation to a staggering 223 days.

Dick Schoof, previously the head of the Dutch intelligence and counterterrorism agency, signed the official royal decree at Huis Ten Bosch Palace. Alongside 15 other ministers, Schoof committed to diligently uphold his new responsibilities in the right-leaning coalition government.