The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States dominates the front pages of the Dutch papers on Wednesday.

‘Good luck Obama’ screams the Telegraaf in English across the entire front page. The paper carries a comment from crown prince Willem-Alexander who says Obama’s election is possibly even more important than the release of Nelson Mandela from a South African jail.
‘Choose hope above fear’ is the headline on the paper’s website.
‘Time for a better history’ headlines the Volkskrant, quoting from the new president’s inaugural speech. ‘Look, we are one people again’, says the AD. Trouw carries a large picture of Barack and Michelle Obama waving on their walkabout. ‘Obama’s huge welcome’ is the paper’s headline, right across its front page.
Free newspaper De Pers takes a different approach. ‘Black Jesus has landed’ the paper says. ‘He is said to be able to perform miracles for all of us.’ The paper illustrates its article with a classical painting of Jesus in the heavens, with Obama’s head superimposed on top.
For the Volkskrant tv report on the celebrations in Amsterdam, click here
For political reactions, click here