New Dutch parliament sworn in, marking official start of term
Following Oct. 29 elections, parliament now has 15 parties, with D66, PVV holding the most seats
BRUSSELS
The newly elected members of the Dutch House of Representatives were officially sworn in on Wednesday, exactly two weeks after the country’s general elections.
All 150 lawmakers took the oath of office, marking the formal start of their parliamentary duties, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported.
Of the 150 lawmakers, 55 are newcomers, while the remainder previously served in the chamber.
This year’s parliament is the most gender-diverse in Dutch history, with 65 women and 84 men. Women now make up 43% of the chamber, though men still hold a majority.
The new parliament is also slightly younger on average. The median age of lawmakers has dropped from 45 to 44.
Among those sworn in are former Cabinet ministers from the caretaker Dick Schoof Cabinet, including Marjolein Faber and Ingrid Coenradie. Sitting Cabinet ministers such as Eelco Heinen, Ruben Brekelmans, and Vincent Karremans, as well as Mona Keijzer and Femke Wiersma, currently hold dual roles.
Following the Oct. 29 elections, the Dutch parliament now consists of 15 parliamentary groups. Both the Democrats 66 (D66) and the Party for Freedom (PVV) secured 26 seats in the new parliament.
