euro|topics - Obama becomes president

Main focus of Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Obama becomes president

Barack Obama will be sworn in today as the 44th president of the United States. Seldom has a newly elected leader been so much in the spotlight.

Helsingin Sanomat - Finland

The daily Helsingin Sanomat is optimistic that Obama will be able to improve the US's reputation. "The expectations for Obama are disproportionately high and it will be years before the mess left behind by George W. Bush is cleared up. But restoring the US's reputation and re-establishing the rule of law and democratic rules are things which the new president can start working on and implementing immediately. And fortunately his most recent speeches have reaffirmed the belief that Barack Obama can do this." (20/01/2009)

Diário de Notícias - Portugal

Writing in the daily Diário de Notícias, Portugal's former president Mário Soares does not doubt that Barack Obama will honour his campaign promises: "Obama is taking office in very difficult times, and expectations run high. The young humanist president will renew the American dream. ... Obama has promised change, including with regard to US international relations, and he will do everything to keep his promise. I have no doubt he will succeed." (20/01/2009)

Delo - Slovenia

The daily Delo writes: "There is a great sense of euphoria and the expectations are even greater. Obama has already warned that the situation may get worse before it gets better. But it looks like after eight years of cynicism and sarcasm, the people are now driven by a new sense of optimism. This can be best described by citing the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt when he was sworn into office in 1933: 'The only thing we have to fear is fear itself'." (20/01/2009)

Les Echos - France

The business daily Les Echos focuses on the huge challenges facing Obama: "Two wars and the worst recession since the 1930s. The challenges that Barack Obama must face are spectacular. No one is more aware of their scope than Obama himself. The new president is well prepared for this task, for which he has been readying himself since his triumphant election victory on November 4 and the eclipse of George W. Bush." (20/01/2009)

Der Standard - Austria

Obama can only tackle the huge problems his predecessor George W. Bush has left him facing through greater cooperation, writes the daily Der Standard. "Obama sees a cooperation that takes into account the interests of other nations as well as his own as the only way to solve the major global problems. He has promised to make vigorous use of diplomacy and only use brute force as a last resort. ... In Europe the expectations that damaged transatlantic relations will rapidly improve may be too high." (20/01/2009)

Dagens Nyheter - Sweden

The daily Dagens Nyheter sees Obama's inauguration as the start of a new era: "The chance is here. Like all presidents, Barack Obama will put the interests of the US in the forefront and never give an international organisation the last word on how, where and when American troops are deployed. But today's overzealous faith in military means will be replaced by a stronger faith in diplomacy." (20/01/2009)

Romania Libera - Romania

The daily Romania Libera puts a damper on the high expectations for the new US president. "At present the majority of Americans see the new president as a kind of messiah, a saviour who will be able to solve all the world's problems, address all the injustices and heal all wounds. Barack Obama has had a brilliant but brief political career so far, so he knows little about his own capabilities as president. But one thing's for sure: Barack Obama is no messiah! He is not the saviour who has descended into this world to save it." (20/01/2009)

Postimees - Estonia

The daily Postimees doubts the new US president will be able to master the challenges awaiting him. "Political opponents and disappointed supporters will soon begin to remind Obama of his campaign pledges, such as the swift withdrawal of US troop from Iraq or the creation of four million new jobs, but these could prove to be impossible tasks. Obama needs to show people now that not only can he move the masses, he can also lead them." (20/01/2009)

To Ethnos - Greece

The daily To Ethnos writes that the new US president should be given time in order to fulfil the expectations. "Perhaps the government he has put together is not the one many progressive citizens of the US and the world had hoped for. But perhaps he knows more than we do and is giving priority to realism and balance. ... We must invest time to find out whether Obama really does represent an important change for the US and the rest of the world." (19/01/2009)

Sme - Slovakia

The liberal daily Sme writes: "America traditionally stands on three pillars: the prosperity of its economy, the power of its army and the appeal of the American model. Today all three are weak. ... The US continues to fascinate people, even after eight years of George W. Bush. ... One can only wish Obama the best of luck. If he manages to steer America out of the crisis it will improve the West's image in the eyes of the world, and ultimately that of Europe as well." (20/01/2009)

» To the complete press review of Tuesday, January 20, 2009

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