Yeah, you read that right. Creative TikTok users are making thirst traps of politicians from the Netherlands, with former prime minister, Mark Rutte, being the star of the show. Naturally, we had to compile some of these gems, for educational purposes.
For those of you (millennials) who are unfamiliar with the terms “thirst trap” and “TikTok,” allow me (a Gen-Z) to explain.
You can think of a “thirst trap” as a creative choice whereby footage of the subject is edited to make it “sexy.” This is usually done by slowing down the video clip and adding some come-hither music. TikTok is where it’s all at.
But enough explanation — let’s just show you.
Jetten takes tiktok
Fresh meat incoming! Rob Jetten’s recent groundbreaking election as the first openly gay man to the position of prime minister is a point of pride (wink wink) for many Dutchies.
But let’s be honest, he also just looks good up there!
@variousdutchedits you got a fetish for my love #robjetten #tweedekamer #politicus #politici #voorjou ♬ origineel geluid – a girl
Not to mention, D66 seems to be leaning into the schtick.
@democraten66 @RobJetten ♬ Originalton – donjeta
This account is called…pappa jetten?
@papajetten WE STAN ROB #robjetten #d66 #fyp #resse #fy #foryoupage #xycbca #politiek #tweedekamer @jettenrob ♬ origineel geluid – papajetten
And finally, here’s one video celebrating Jetten as a (strikingly handsome) gay politician!
@amuxni Gay Excellence. 🖤 #gay #gaylove #robjetten #netherlands #primeminister ♬ оригинальный звук – banshee
Hot for Mark Rutte
Next, is Mark Rutte. Once upon a time, the internet had quite the hots for this man.
Hubba hubba…?
The videos often go deep into the archives.
@neuspeuter Rutte de american boy #markrutte #rutte #markrutteedit #rutteedit #politiek #politiekedit
♬ original sound – neuspeuterer
These days, though, videos tagging Rutte are a little more…comedic? Is that the right word?
@ainfluencerz Mark Rutte probeert de Shoulder Lean #markrutte @Siggy & D1ns ♬ SHOULDER LEAN – Siggy & D1ns
Perhaps that’s just the cost of a cosy relationship with Trump. No more thirst traps! Enter AI dance videos.
Beyond Rutte…
Think people just have the hots for the NATO leader? There’s one other figure who has received quite a bit of attention in the past…
Yup, that’s right: Daddy de Jo — I mean former Minister for Health, Hugo de Jonge. To be fair, when he tweeted those vaccination openings back during the pandemic, it was just: 😘.
In fact, quite a few politicians have been added to the edits…
Please no. Not Thierry Baudet and Geert Wilders. ✋🤢
The shipping of Jesse Klaver and Rob Jetten
There are also TikToks shipping (wishing two people were in a relationship together) Jesse Klaver and Rob Jetten.
This trend managed to break Dutch borders, spreading all the way to American TikTok users, who also shipped the two.
But Jetten put a rest to those rumors. After all, he’s getting married to Nicolás Keenan!
@nicokeenan97 Election night, let’s go🔥🫶🏽 @RobJetten #stemmen #d66 ♬ WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! – RAYE
Undeniably, the internet is excited for them. So cute!
@drinksforgayz 🎉 Exciting times in the Netherlands! Meet Rob Jetten, their new Prime Minister and his fiancé Nicolas Keenan from Argentina! 🇳🇱❤️🇦🇷 Just like The Queen Máxima, who brings her Argentinian charm to the royal family, Rob and Nicolas are a beautiful blend of cultures! Let’s celebrate democracy, love and unity in their kingdom! ✨🌈 #gay #gayboy #foryou #fyp #memes ♬ original sound – Drinksforgayz
Safe to say, everyone will tune in for the wedding photos of these two.
@rob.jetten.fanpage @RobJetten @Nico Keenan #littlemoments#fryp #rob ♬ original sound – Ross-102
Did you need to see that? No. But are you glad we introduced you to these gems? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
I was wondering why such a scandal-ridden Parliamentarian could resign, run for the subsequent election and get re-elected; because apparently he’s developed a Trudeau-like celebrity cult status around himself. How awful.
At least the Dutch are finally snapping out of it now