General election 2019: Europe's press both relieved and wary By BBC Monitoring

The world through its media Published duration 13 December 2019 Related Topics Brexit

Boris Johnson's character - and what type of Brexit looms - dominate opinion in European newspapers - and for many the two are intertwined.

Die Zeit, under the headline "Finally, there is clarity," declares Germany's, under the headline "Winning power unscrupulously" and a picture of a triumphant Mr Johnson.

"The United Kingdom and the EU should be relieved that the turmoil of a minority government and a parliamentary blockade are finally over. The past three years have brought democracy in the UK to the brink of its ability to function - and have strained the EU's patience," it says.

"Economically, leaving the EU for the UK is of course still harmful. But that's not been the point for a long time. Most Britons have long known that they have been lied to."

'Tough few years'

Irish Independent, John Downing eyes the Writing in the, John Downing eyes the implications for Ireland - both north and south. "Two immediate things will result in Ireland. First is there will be an election in the Republic of Ireland in February or early March… Second is that the Democratic Unionist Party is surplus to requirements. They must join Sinn Féin in getting over themselves to make power-sharing in Belfast work again after three years of shameful idleness."

Once the EU-UK draft divorce deal agreed in October becomes law in London and Brussels, he says, talks will open on a new post-Brexit trade deal.

"Every time the UK talks about abandoning EU standards, they risk being penalised by quotas and tariffs. That would be really bad news for Ireland which does a cumulative east-west trade worth €1.5bn (£1.25bn; $1.68bn) per week. It's even worse news for Northern Ireland business where seamless north-south trade depends on those EU standards."

"A tough few years beckon. You can forget Boris Johnson's campaign claims that a new EU-UK trade deal can be done by December 2020."

Brexit 'carousel'

Het Financieele Dagblad argues Mr Johnson's big victory In the Netherlands which, like Ireland, would be at the sharp end of a potential no-deal Brexit, financial dailyargues Mr Johnson's big victory could be good news

"After all, the prime minister will be less dependent on the hard Brexiteers in his party, which could simplify the negotiations about a future trade relationship," it says.

Aftonbladet says: "Paradoxically, Johnson's vast majority may mean that he does not need to listen as much to those who want a hard Brexit - if it is as many people think, that he wants to see a softer Brexit… In that case, And this is echoed in Sweden, where tabloidsays: "Paradoxically, Johnson's vast majority may mean that he does not need to listen as much to those who want a hard Brexit - if it is as many people think, that he wants to see a softer Brexit… In that case, we are back in the carousel of the EU having to give the British more time."

Personal branding

Belgium's De Tijd also sees Brexit throwing up huge challenges in the coming year, although it believes the Conservatives' pledge to "get Brexit done" landed well with voters "thoroughly fed up" with the issue.

"But even Johnson will not be able to pull a solution out of his top hat," it says. "That is not a problem, of course. Johnson has broken big promises before… Now that Johnson has grabbed his much-desired absolute majority in the House of Commons, new cliff-hangers are expected, and the Brexit soap will continue ".

El Mundo says. Spain's papers focus on Boris Johnson's character as a key factor. "Firm. Strong. Nice. Charismatic. Incompetent. Dishonest. Fake. Unreliable… This is how the British define Boris Johnson ,"says.

"Many see his hostile treatment of parliament during his first two months as a presage of what's coming next. With an absolute majority, it is feared that Boris Johnson could behave like a real despot and promote a definitive "decollage" from Europe, pivoting British society towards the American model (after all, he was born in New York)."

Fog over channel

El Confidencial says Mr Johnson has Spain'ssays Mr Johnson has never been a traditional politician . "His shabby appearance, transparent language and stormy relationship with the truth define a personal brand that both attracts and frightens. Either thanks to it or in spite of it, he swept the polls."

Süddeutsche Zeitung is optimistic, declaring Germany'sis optimistic, declaring "Boris Johnson had an easy time" . Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn "was the best campaigner for the Conservatives", it believes.

The paper urges Mr Johnson, with a powerful mandate, to take a particular path. "His whopping majority will allow him to negotiate a gentle Brexit that will help Britain's economy and avoid big shocks."

Dagens Nyheter. "Openness to the outside world made modern Britain what it is today. Now the fog lowers across the English Channel. But there's gloom over at Sweden's liberal. "Openness to the outside world made modern Britain what it is today. Now the fog lowers across the English Channel. The continent is isolated.