Dutch PM Rob Jetten makes history on Amsterdam Pride boat

A white shirt and a black life vest replaced the usual suit for Rob Jetten as he waved from the water. Around him, 80 decorated boats and packed canal banks turned a political milestone into one of Amsterdam’s best-known spectacles.

Jetten swapped the quayside for a place in the parade

Rob Jetten became the first sitting Dutch prime minister to take part in Amsterdam’s Pride Canal Parade on Saturday August 1. The openly gay leader sailed through the capital in a small boat, waving to crowds as music played and the colourful procession made its way along the historic canals. Hundreds of thousands of spectators were reported to have lined the route for the event.

Jetten, who swapped his usual suit for a casual white shirt and black life vest during his boat ride, took office as prime minister and Minister of General Affairs on 23 February 2026. At 39, the D66 leader is also the Netherlands’ first openly gay prime minister. His participation therefore brought together two big milestones: the country’s first openly gay head of government became the first holder of that office to join the famous Canal Parade.

In a video posted on his official social media account, Jetten described Pride as being about freedom, equality and inclusion. He said the freedom and security of the LGBTQ+ community was “under pressure” worldwide, pointing to discriminatory legislation, dangers on the street and the recent attack in Berlin.

Police watched the celebration from the water and sky

The jubilant scenes unfolded under heightened security following a deadly attack connected with a Pride event in Berlin one week earlier. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema had said additional measures would be introduced where necessary, while trying to ensure that visitors noticed them as little as possible. Police officers patrolled the canals in motorboats during Saturday’s parade and a helicopter circled above the city. The increased security was visible without overwhelming the music, dancing and rainbow-covered boats below.

Jetten’s reference to Berlin added a more serious note to his appearance. The parade remained a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, but it also became a public response to concerns about the safety of people in the Netherlands and elsewhere.

Eighty boats turned the ‘UNITY’ theme into spectacle and protest

The fleet included boats representing Dutch government ministries, the military and police, alongside LGBTQ+ organisations, clubs and community groups. Dutch LGBTQ+ rights organisation COC Nederland marked its 80th anniversary with a boat carrying a portrait of Marsha P. Johnson, the American activist associated with the 1969 Stonewall uprising. The group also presented a manifesto calling for further progress on LGBTQ+ human rights.

One of the parade’s most photographed and controversial contributions featured giant inflatable versions of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Dressed like the traditional Dutch Delft blue-and-white souvenir figures and clutching tulips, the pair leaned towards one another for a kiss. The organisers behind the display said the intention was to “pause power for a moment” and draw attention to something human.

The parade formed part of the first WorldPride hosted by Amsterdam, while also celebrating Pride Amsterdam’s 30th anniversary. It comes 25 years after the Netherlands became the first country to open civil marriage to same-sex couples.

Jetten will return for WorldPride’s human rights talks

The Canal Parade has finished, but WorldPride Amsterdam continues until August 8 under the theme “UNITY”. A concert is scheduled at Museumplein on August 4, followed by the fully booked WorldPride Human Rights Conference at the Beurs van Berlage from August 5 to 7.

Jetten is due to open the conference, which will bring together activists, politicians, researchers and policymakers for discussions covering rights, health, political leadership, religion and inclusion in the workplace. The festival then concludes on August 8 with a WorldPride march from Martin Luther Kingpark to Museumplein, followed by a closing concert.