UK privacy watchdog warns over AI-generated images in joint statement

LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Britain's privacy watchdog published ‌a joint statement ‌with dozens of international authorities ​on Monday, setting out concerns over images generated byartificial intelligencewhich ‌depict ⁠identifiable individuals without their consent.

"We call on ⁠organisations to engage proactively with regulators, implement ​robust safeguards ​from ​the outset, ‌and ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of privacy, dignity, safety," the ‌statement published ​by the Information ​Commissioner's ​Office said.

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The signatories ‌are especially concerned ​about ​potential harms to children, the ICO added.

(Reporting ​by ‌Sam Tabahriti, writing by ​Sarah Young, editing by ​William James)

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UK privacy watchdog warns over AI-generated images in joint statement

LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Britain's privacy watchdog published ‌a joint statement ‌with dozens of international auth...

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EU says it will accept no increase in US tariffs after Supreme Court ruling: 'a deal is a deal'

By Philip Blenkinsop

(Reuters) - The European Commission demanded on Sunday that the United States stick to the terms of an EU-U.S. trade deal reached last year, after ‌the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump's global tariffs and he responded with new levies ‌across the board.

The Commission, which negotiates trade policy on behalf of the 27 EU member states, said Washington must provide "full clarity" ​on the steps it intends to take following the court ruling.

After the court struck down Trump's global tariffs on Friday, the U.S. president announced temporary, across-the-board tariffs of 10%, which he then hiked to 15% a day later.

"The current situation is not conducive to delivering 'fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial' transatlantic trade and investment, as agreed ‌to by both sides" in the joint ⁠statement setting out the terms of last year's trade agreement, the Commission said. "A deal is a deal."

The comments were far more strongly worded than the Commission's initial ⁠response on Friday, which had said only that it was studying the outcome of the Supreme Court decision and keeping in contact with the U.S. administration.

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Last year's trade deal set a 15% U.S. tariff rate for most ​EU goods, ​apart from those covered by other sectoral tariffs such ​as on steel. It also allowed zero ‌tariffs on some products such as aircraft and spare parts. The EU agreed to remove import duties on many U.S. goods and withdrew a threat to retaliate with higher levies.

It is not clear whether Trump's new 15% tariffs supersede the EU-U.S. deal. If they do, the EU's zero tariff exemptions could disappear. The new tariffs could also be placed on top of pre-existing 'most-favoured-nation' U.S. duties, which is not the case ‌under the EU-U.S. deal.

Furthermore, the comparative advantage the EU had ​with a 15% tariff would appear to have disappeared as ​even countries without a deal face that ​rate.

Trade policy monitor Global Trade Alert estimates that the EU as a whole will ‌be 0.8 percentage points worse off, with Italy ​facing an extra 1.7 ​percentage points of U.S. tariffs.

"In particular, EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed," the EU ​executive said, adding that unpredictable tariffs ‌were disruptive and undermined confidence across global markets.

It said that EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic ​had discussed the issue with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard ​Lutnick on Saturday.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop;Editing by Peter Graff)

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EU says it will accept no increase in US tariffs after Supreme Court ruling: 'a deal is a deal'

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North Korea's ruling party re-elects Kim Jong Un general secretary

By Jack Kim and Kyu-seok Shim

North Korea ruling Workers' Party re-elects Kim Jong Un as general secretary, KCNA says

SEOUL, Feb 23 (Reuters) - North Korea's ruling Workers' Party re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary at a party congress ‌meeting on Sunday, state media said, a move seen as underlining his ‌absolute grip on power and greater confidence over domestic stability.

In a report published on Monday, KCNA state news ​agency credited Kim with raising the prestige of the country, placing it globally on a solid footing to pursue its revolutionary crusade and hardening the military "into an elite and powerful army."

Under his leadership, "the war deterrence of the country with the nuclear forces as its ‌pivot has been radically improved," ⁠KCNA said in the laudatory report of the fourth day of the congress' proceedings.

The reaffirmation of his authority "amounts to a declaration that Kim ⁠Jong Un has ended the regime's 'crisis‑management mode' and entered a phase of confident, stable long‑term rule," Lim Eul-chul, an expert on North Korea at Kyungnam University, said.

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The delegates also elected ​members of ​the party Central Committee and adopted revisions to ​the party rules, KCNA said. It ‌did not provide details of the changes to the party charter, but some senior officials appeared to be dropped from the committee.

Former Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong, Supreme People's Assembly Standing Committee Chairman Choe Ryong Hae, and a top party military official, Ri Pyong Chol, were among those who were sidelined in a likely change of the ‌old guard, analysts said.

There has been no sign ​of Kim's teenage daughter, known as Ju Ae, attending ​the conference so far, amid speculation ​she is being groomed to succeed her father as leader. The ‌ninth iteration of the party congress, normally ​held every five ​years for several days, opened on Thursday with 5,000 delegates and is being watched by South Korea for any revelation of new domestic and external policy directions.

There ​have been no signs ‌of significant policy initiatives so far, the sessions focusing on having overcome an ​economic crisis and progress made under the Party's leadership.

(Reporting by Jack Kim; ​editing by Diane Craft and Stephen Coates)

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North Korea's ruling party re-elects Kim Jong Un general secretary

By Jack Kim and Kyu-seok Shim North Korea ruling Workers' Party re-elects Kim Jong Un as general secretar...

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10 memorable moments from the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

MILAN (AP) — With 116 medal events over 16 days spread across northern Italy, the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics delivered many unforgettable moments. Here are 10 of the biggest, from heartbreak to triumph.

Milan Cortina Olympics My Favorite Photo

Lindsey Vonn's gut-wrenching crash

U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn's Olympic story was supposed to be one of redemption. She came out of retirement at age 41, battled a torn ACL in her left knee days before competition, and was ready to conquer the downhill. Instead she got hooked on a gate 13 seconds into her run,resulting in a terrifying crash in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

After receiving treatment for about a week in Italy for a complex tibia fracture, Vonn flew back to the U.S. She's hadat least four surgeries.

Her skis did not release during the crash,raising safety issues among the skiing circuit.

Klaebo's historic gold medal sweep

Heavy is the head that wears the crown, heavy is the neck that wears all of Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo's gold medals.

The Norwegianwon all six gold medals in the men's cross-country competition, setting a new record for most golds at a single Winter Olympics.

The previous record was set by American speed skater Eric Heiden with five golds in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

Norway dominated the Olympics overall,leading the medal countwith 41. They chalk it up totheir way of life.

The fall of Ilia Malinin

The overwhelming favorite to win gold in men's figure skating, Ilia Malininfell twice in his free skate program. The falls sent him tumbling from first place all the way off the podium.

"Honestly, yeah, I was not expecting that," Malinin said. "I felt going into this competition I was so ready. I just felt ready going on that ice. I think maybe that might have been the reason, is I was too confident it was going to go well."

The joy of Alysa Liu

Alysa Liu won the U.S. itsfirst women's figure skating gold medal in 24 yearswith a joy-filled, near-flawless free skate.

The 20-year-old had walked away from skating before finding her way back again,and found herself in the process.

"I think my story is more important than anything to me," Liu said, "and that's what I will hold dear, and this journey has been incredible, and my life has just been — I have no complaints."

U.S. politics seep into the Games

American athletes facedpersistent questions about President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement agendaand their comfort in representing a country whose policies are increasingly controversial on the world stage.

American freeskier Hunter Hess said he didn't back the U.S. president's immigration crackdown, prompting Trump to call him a "loser." Chloe Kim, Eileen Gu and Hess' teammatescalled for unity in response.Hess responded during halfpipe qualifying byflashing an "L" on his forehead, saying he stands by his statement and loves the U.S.

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U.S. figure skater Amber Glenn also saidshe received threats on social mediaafter saying during a pre-Olympics news conference that the queer community is going through a "hard time" amid the political climate under Trump.

Ukrainian skeleton racer's helmet tribute

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was barred from competingwhen he refused to not use a helmet that honored more than 20 athletes and coaches killed in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The International Olympic Committee said wearing the helmet would break rules against making statements on the field of play. The IOC asked Heraskevych to wear a different helmet in races. It offered concessions, such as wearing a black armband or letting him display the helmet once he was off the ice.

"I believe, deeply, the (The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation) and IOC understand that I'm not violating any rules," Heraskevych said. "Also, I would say (it's) painful that it really looks like discrimination because many athletes already were expressing themselves."

Cheating allegations in curling

The seemingly quaint and cordial sport ofcurling was rocked by cheating allegationsduring the Winter Games. First Canada was accused, then Britain. The main infraction? Double-touching.

After a wild few days with expletives and a brief rule change, tensions simmered and teams and players more or less moved on.

"It's the Olympics," said Canadian curler Ben Hebert. "It'll be over in two weeks and everyone will go back to covering curling in four years."

A different kind of cheating

Sturla Holm Laegreid, one of Norway's top biathletes, finished third in the 20-kilometer individual race at the Olympics, and then gave one of the most bizarre interviews that quickly went viral.

Laegreid, full of remorse, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK – and the whole world –he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend.

He later said he regretted airing his personal businessand overshadowing his teammate's Olympic gold medal.But the meme damage had already been done.

North American showdown in hockey

Hockey was always going to be a big deal at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Even before the first puck dropped, there wereworries about the new arenaand excitement aboutthe Olympic return of NHL stars.As many had predicted,Canada and the United Statesmade the final of both the men's and women's tournaments. TheU.S. wonbothgold medalgames in overtime.

South America's first Winter Games medal

While Brazil was reveling in Carnival, Alpine ski racer Lucas Pinheiro Braathen gave the country another reason to celebrate —an Olympic gold medal in giant slalom.

It was the first-ever medal at the Winter Games for any country in South America.

"I've tried over and over again to put words into what it is that I'm feeling," Pinheiro Braathen said. "But it's simply impossible."

AP Winter Olympics coverage:https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics

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10 memorable moments from the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

MILAN (AP) — With 116 medal events over 16 days spread across northern Italy, the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics delivered...

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Eight college football coordinator hires I can't stop thinking about

Anace coordinatoris a coach's second-best friend — just behind an ace quarterback.

In times of glory, a coordinator gets exalted as a guru.

In times of trouble, a coordinator serves as a fall guy for a struggling coach, but those who know how to expertly call an offense or defense will never be out of work for long.

24-team playoff?:What to like, what stinks about latest CFP plan

Toppmeyer:Four bold conference realignment moves I'd make in a second

Ascollege football's spring practice arrives, here are eight new coordinators I can't stop thinking about. Some profile as home runs, while others are puzzling hires.

Come along for the good, the bad, the head-scratchers:

Bobby Petrino, North Carolina, offensive coordinator

What is it about coaches on the hot seat thinking Petrino can save them?

Jimbo Fisher tried it at Texas A&M. Didn't work.

Sam Pittman tried it at Arkansas. Didn't work.

Now, it's Belichick's turn with Petrino riding shotgun. IfBelichick flops in Year 2, UNC'scost to fire himwould be just about $10 million, small potatoes in this landscape. With Beli's job on the line, he's turning to a coordinator whose best work occurred a decade ago with Lamar Jackson in Louisville. There's no Jackson on this roster.

To put it bluntly, it's tough to see a Belichick-Petrino union flourishing. At least there's only one way to go for UNC's offense, which was pitiful last season.

Chip Kelly, Northwestern, offensive coordinator

Can't imagine Northwestern landing a more accomplished coordinator than Kelly. He put on a play-calling masterclass throughout 2024 Ohio State's national championship run.

Kelly previously decided at UCLA that being a college head coach isn't for him anymore. That's fine. Northwestern's David Braun just needs him to run the offense. Kelly is good at that.

In a world in which Vanderbilt can go 10-3, why can't Northwestern pack a punch in the Big Ten? For that to happen, Kelly must upgrade Northwestern's offense to complement a solid defense. He'll have a veteran quarterback at his fingertips.Aidan Chiles transferred in from Michigan State.

This is Kelly's fourth job in the past four years, so Northwestern better just enjoy this while it lasts.

Charlie Weis Jr., LSU, offensive coordinator

How important was Weis to Mississippi? Well, consider that after Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU, Weis kept running the Rebels' offense, and they sizzled in two playoff victories. They nearly reached the national championship, too.

Don't look at Weis as Kiffin's caddie. He's the real deal as an OC, and he might become a head coach himself one day in the not too distant future.

In the meantime, he's back with Kiffin. That's about as important as any roster plunder the "Portal King" made. At Ole Miss, Weis helped develop Jaxson Dart and Trinidad Chambliss.

Kiffin receives a lot of fanfare for his offensive genius. Deservedly so. But, Weis merits acclaim, too. Kiffin and Weis go way back. Expect a smooth operation at LSU.

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More:What Trinidad Chambliss return to Ole Miss means for Lane Kiffin, LSU

Will Muschamp, Texas, defensive coordinator

Who says a former coach-in-waiting can't go home again? Texas, you'll recall, tapped Muschamp as Mack Brown's future heir nearly two decades ago. Muschamp got tired of waiting and left to replace Urban Meyer atFlorida.

In the years that followed, we learned Muschamp wasn't head coaching material, but that's not the assignment in this role reprisal. Muschamp knows defense, and he became a valued member of Kirby Smart's staff the past several years.

ForLonghornsfans, seeing Muschamp back in burnt orange should evoke good feelings. Texas fielded fierce defenses during his years running the unit for Brown. Does he still have the touch? No reason to think he won't succeed with Texas' talent base.

This is a pricey win-now hire for a program that's gotone more season with Arch Manning.

Gary Patterson, Southern Cal, defensive coordinator

It's a rare season when a Lincoln Riley team fields a great defense. So, is Patterson the solution to Riley's career-long problem, or set to become the latest coordinator who'll try and fail to instill the sturdiness needed for Riley'sTrojansto elevate from also-ran to national champion?

There's reallyno telling how this will go.

Many of Patterson's TCU teams played the type of defense you'd want, but he last served as an assistant coach more than 25 years ago. It's fascinating to see how someone used to being in charge will adapt to being a lieutenant.

A lack of talent is not a concern for USC, but the 66-year-old Patterson must show he can get the requisite buy-in, toughness and commitment to detail to accelerate a defense that ranked toward the bottom of the Big Ten the past two seasons.

Buster Faulkner,Florida, offensive coordinator

Florida fans forced to endure four seasons of Billy Napier's offense ought to be joyous about the offensive coordinator hire for Jon Sumrall's first staff.

Haynes King flourished in Faulkner's offense at Georgia Tech, and the Yellow Jackets led the ACC in yards per play last season. Faulkner brought along a quarterback who knows his system, too, with rising sophomore Aaron Philo coming to Florida from Georgia Tech.

Faulkner is part of a young but promising Florida staff. Among Sumrall and his two coordinators, Faulkner is the oldest at 44 years old. They're all working the biggest job of their lives. That's a risk, sure, but it's a boon for Florida to nab an offensive coordinator whose career is ascending.

Chad Morris, Clemson, offensive coordinator

What is Dabo Swinney thinking? Seriously, inquisitive minds would like to know.

This is the ultimate YOLO hire for a coach whose program has failed to assimilate to the NIL and transfer eras. Leave it to Dabo to think he'll fix Clemson's ailments by bringing back a coordinator who was part of theTigers' ascent under Swinney more than a decade ago.

Morris went on to become one of the worst coaches in SEC history, winning four games in two seasons at Arkansas. He's been stuck in something akin to coaching purgatory the past several seasons. With Swinney's tenure in a state of freefall, he decided to play the hits.

As Swinney puts the band back together, one must wonder whether this nostalgia move serves as the kickoff to a Clemson farewell tour.

Jim Knowles, Tennessee, defensive coordinator

Being the defensive coordinator opposite Josh Heupel's warp-speed offense is not for the faint of heart. Knowles accepted the task after he hit the market following James Franklin's ouster at Penn State.

Knowles brings an impressive body of work, including a national championship with 2024 Ohio State, but his defense strangely became part of the problem in Franklin's final season. Even so, Knowles brought in some talented players from Penn State, none more important than defensive linemen Chaz Coleman and Xavier Gilliam.

Knowles' assignment is clear: Restore competence to a Tennessee defense that ranked among the SEC's worst in 2025 after ranking among its best in 2024, when the Vols made the playoff.

Blake Toppmeyeris the USA TODAY Network's senior national college football columnist. Email him atBToppmeyer@gannett.comand follow him on X@btoppmeyer.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Best, worst college football coordinator hires, Chip Kelly to Chad Morris

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Eight college football coordinator hires I can't stop thinking about

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Who is rising, falling in latest March Madness bracket prediction?

DukeandArizonalooked like the teams to beat in the upcomingmen's NCAA Tournamentafter taking down No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Houston, respectively, on Feb. 21.

TheNo. 3 Blue Devils beat the Wolverines 68-63behind Cameron Boozer's 18-point, 10-rebound and seven-assist performance. Guards Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster added 26 combined points in the win.

NCAA Tournament top 16 seeds:A rough day just hours after reveal

Bracketology:NCAA Tournament field prediction has new No. 1 seed

Meanwhile, the Wildcats defeated the Cougars 73-66 behind a career-high 22 points from Anthony Dell'Orso, who played 34 minutes off the bench for the national championship contenders.

There will be a shakeup in the polls on Feb. 23, as No. 6 Iowa State fell to No. 22 BYU and No. 12 Kansas was upset by unranked Cincinnati. No. 18 Vanderbilt also lost to unranked Tennessee.

Here's a look at the latest risers and fallers for March Madness as the regular season winds down:

March Madness bracket predictions

Risers

Duke

• Projected seed: No. 1

Dukeis coming off a 68-63 win over No. 1 Michigan on Feb. 21 and looks to be the new frontrunner for the No. 1 overall team in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils are 25-2 on the season and their two losses are to Texas Tech and North Carolina, which are both virtual locks for March Madness.

Duke still has remaining games against Notre Dame, Virginia, NC State and UNC in the regular season.

Arizona

• Projected seed: No. 1

Arizonawas the last undefeated team in Power Four until it lost to Kansas on the road Feb. 9, before losing again to Texas Tech in its next game. The Wildcats bounced back on Feb. 21, though, defeating No. 2 Houston 73-66 on the road.

Arizona is back to being a contender for the No. 1 overall seed, along with Duke.

Florida

• Projected seed: No. 2

Floridawas shaky at times early in the year, but has hit its stride in recent weeks and is dominating the SEC. The Gators have won 12 of their past 14 games, including wins over Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Vanderbilt.

Florida's frontcourt trio of Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu might be the best in college basketball and starting guards Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee are also heating up, which could be scary for opposing teams facing the reigning national champions.

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UCLA

• Projected seed: First Four Out

UCLA coach Mick Croninwent viral for the wrong reasonsafter its blowout loss to Michigan State on Feb. 17. However, the Bruins turned around and defeated No. 10 Illinois 95-94 at home on Feb. 21, which is a huge boost to their resume.

UCLA still has some work to do but holds an 18-9 record with ranked wins over Purdue and Illinois, two of the top projected teams in March Madness.

Fallers

Houston

• Projected seed: No. 2

Houston is coming off back-to-back losses to Iowa State and Arizona and appears to have fallen behind both schools in the Big 12's pecking order. While the Cougars are still national championship contenders, they have some work to do to get back onto the No. 1 seed line.

Kansas

• Projected seed: No. 3

Kansas was blown out by Iowa State on Feb. 14, before defeating Oklahoma State on Feb. 18 with limited help from star guard Darryn Peterson. The Jayhawks then suffered perhaps their worst loss of the season on Feb. 21, falling to unranked Cincinnati by 16 points at home.

Thankfully for Kansas, Peterson played 32 minutes in the loss after pulling himself from the game against the Cowboys.

Vanderbilt

• Projected seed: No. 5

Vanderbilt, losers of three of its past five games, is quickly falling out of contention to be the higher seed for the Round of 32, should it reach that stage of the NCAA Tournament.

TheCommodoreshave dropped back-to-back games to Missouri and Tennessee, who are looking to surpass Vanderbilt in the SEC order. The losses were only by five combined points, though, showing how slim the margins can be between winning and losing.

Vandy ends the regular season with games against Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee again, which could all go either way.

Clemson

• Projected seed: No. 9

Clemson was looking to compete with North Carolina to finish second in the ACC standings, until its current four-game losing streak started. The Tigers are 20-8 on the season, but have lost four straight, including three against unranked teams in Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Florida State.

The Tigers have upcoming games against Louisville and North Carolina, two ranked teams. Things could get ugly quick if they can't win at least one of those two games, in terms of seeding and even avoiding the bubble.

When is Selection Sunday 2026?

The 68-team bracket for the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament will be unveiled on 6 p.m. ET, Sunday, March 15.

March Madness 2026 schedule

The 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament will transpire over the next three weeks, which will end with the Final Four and the national championship game in Indianapolis.

Here's a rundown of the schedule for the 2026 NCAA Tournament:

• First Four: March 17-18 (Buy tickets)

• First round: March 19-20

• Second round: March 21-22

• Sweet 16: March 26-27

• Elite Eight: March 28-29

• Final Four: April 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (Buy tickets)

• National championship game: April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (Buy tickets)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:NCAA tournament bracketology teams rising, falling in bracket predictions

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Who is rising, falling in latest March Madness bracket prediction?

DukeandArizonalooked like the teams to beat in the upcomingmen's NCAA Tournamentafter taking down No. 1 Michigan and ...

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New Dutch PM Jetten faces uphill task as minority government installed

By Bart H. Meijer and Charlotte Van Campenhout

THE HAGUE, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Rob Jetten became the youngest prime minister in Dutch history on Monday when his minority government was formally confirmed in power by King Willem-Alexander.

Jetten, 38, ‌propelled his progressive, pro-EU D66 party to a surprising election victory last October in a polished and optimistic campaign, ‌promising a break from the divisive previous government dominated by nationalist Geert Wilders.

His optimism will be put to the test from the start, as his centre-right coalition lacks ​a majority in the Netherlands' lower and upper houses of parliament and will need opposition support for all its proposals.

The coalition of D66, the conservative Christian Democrats and right-wing VVD marks a rare experiment in the euro zone's fifth-largest economy, traditionally governed by majority coalitions with detailed government pacts.

But securing a majority has become increasingly difficult in the fractured Dutch political landscape, as voter preferences change in every cycle and ‌centrist parties have steadily lost support.

UPHILL BATTLE

In ⁠a clear sign of the uphill battle Jetten faces, opposition parties from the left to the right have denounced the coalition's plans to fund a historic increase in defence spending through cuts in welfare and ⁠healthcare.

Left-wing opposition leader Jesse Klaver last Friday said the plans were "unfair", after independent calculations had shown they would disproportionately hurt people on lower incomes.

"Ordinary people will pay hundreds of euros more, while nothing extra is asked of the richest," he said in a post on social media platform ​X. "This has ​to change."

Wilders has said he will oppose any initiative by Jetten's government, ​while a range of smaller parties have all voiced ‌concerns about the plans that have been presented so far.

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The coalition has vowed to increase defence spending to the new NATO target of 3.5% of GDP by 2035, up from about 2% today, through a "freedom tax", in the form of a surcharge in income taxes.

The coalition aims to limit unemployment benefits, to hike people's own contributions to healthcare and to accelerate the increase of the retirement age in step with rising life expectancy.

The coalition has also promised a strict approach to asylum migration, a topic that has split Dutch ‌politics for years and has led to the downfall of the previous ​two governments.

DOWNPLAYING DISADVANTAGE

Jetten has tried to downplay the disadvantage of only holding 66 of ​the 150 lower-house seats, calling it an opportunity for ​better cooperation in parliament, after the Wilders-era of political infighting without progress on any policy issue.

In the ‌days before his government's installation, he said there was still ​room to adjust plans.

"We see ​that everybody pays a price, but that it's not spread totally evenly," he said.

"We can take time in the coming months to improve the plans, before we draft our final budget."

YESILGOZ ON DEFENCE

Overseeing the surge in spending will be new Defence ​minister Dilan Yesilgoz, who took over the ‌lead of the VVD party in 2023 from Mark Rutte, the Netherlands' longest serving prime minister and current chief ​of NATO.

Former member of European Parliament Tom Berendsen is the new Foreign minister, while Eelco Heinen stayed on at ​Finance.

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Bart MeijerEditing by Gareth Jones)

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New Dutch PM Jetten faces uphill task as minority government installed

By Bart H. Meijer and Charlotte Van Campenhout THE HAGUE, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Rob Jetten became the youngest pr...

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