Netherlands | 08.05.2025 | Day of the First American Pope as A1 Closes | An Archive of Main News Headlines from the Netherlands, as they Unfolded

08.05.2025 ⇢ White Smoke Day as First American Pope Elected

The morning began with India reporting Pakistani drone and rocket attacks as the conflict escalated, disrupting European-Asian air travel. Brussels published a list of American products worth €95 billion facing potential tariffs if no trade deal is reached with Trump, while the UK announced a historic agreement with the US.

Housing corporations threatened legal action against Minister Keijzer over the rental freeze policy, with Aedes demanding reversal within two weeks. Authorities arrested two teenagers (16 and 17) for the Scheveningen riots reported in previous days.

The papal conclave dominated afternoon coverage, with white smoke appearing around 4:15 PM signaling the historic election of American Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV - the first US pope in history. The 69-year-old cardinal from Chicago, described as a "wise, accessible man," was expected to follow predecessor Franciscus's path. Initial reactions emphasized his missionary vision for the church.

17:33⇢First American Pope Elected

The newspapers report on the historic election of the first American pope, with Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago choosing the name Leo XIV (AD.nl, NRC, RTL Nieuws, de Volkskrant). White smoke appeared over the Sistine Chapel after a two-day conclave, signaling the selection of the new church leader. In other news, the FNV union appears to be initiating labor action against NS railways, with a strike seemingly "inevitable" (Metro Nieuws). Meanwhile, a devastating humanitarian situation continues in Gaza, with reporting on severe child malnutrition (Het Parool).

16:12⇢UK-US Trade Deal Breakthrough

The newspapers report on a significant trade agreement between the UK and US, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it "a historic day" (NRC, de Volkskrant). The EU is working to make doing business across member states easier, particularly urgent given disrupted trade relations with the US (Het Financieele Dagblad). Domestically, supermarket chain Jumbo is boycotting Heineken over European price differences (AD.nl), while Amsterdam Mayor Halsema defends her controversial hospitality industry plan (Het Parool). Other stories include concerns about chemical substances in sunscreen (Metro Nieuws) and warnings of a "horror weekend" for motorists (De Telegraaf).

13:59⇢Brussels Threatens €95 Billion Tariffs on US Products

The newspapers report on Brussels publishing a list of American products worth €95 billion that could face import tariffs if no trade agreement is reached with Trump (Het Financieele Dagblad, de Volkskrant). International tensions continue with concerns about North Korea potentially exporting ballistic missiles to Russia (De Telegraaf) and the India-Pakistan conflict disrupting air travel between Europe and Asia (NRC). Domestic news includes a major investigation in Ermelo after finding a dead 85-year-old woman (AD.nl), teenagers hospitalized after vaping (RTL Nieuws), and an interview with a mother who lost her son on October 7, 2023 (Trouw).

12:13⇢Teens Arrested For Scheveningen Riots

The newspapers report on two teenagers (16 and 17) arrested following riots in Scheveningen, with police identifying more suspects (AD.nl, RTL Nieuws). Housing corporations are taking legal action against the government over a temporary freeze on social housing rents, with organization Aedes threatening court action if Minister Mona Keijzer doesn't reverse the decision within two weeks (Het Financieele Dagblad, Trouw). Other issues include EU publishing a list of American products worth €100 billion that face potential counter-tariffs in negotiations with Trump (NRC), and the cabinet allocating funds for homeless migrant workers (Het Parool).

10:09⇢Black Smoke Rises As Papal Conclave Continues

The newspapers report on the ongoing papal conclave where cardinals have not yet selected a new pope, as indicated by black smoke from the Sistine Chapel (AD.nl, RTL Nieuws, de Volkskrant). International tensions appear as India reports Pakistani drone and rocket attacks (NRC). Economic issues emerge with reports on Chinese companies practicing "origin washing" to circumvent US tariffs by reshipping goods through countries like Malaysia and Thailand with new labels (Het Financieele Dagblad). Local concerns include declining snackbar popularity due to rising costs (Metro Nieuws) and a discussion about autism and social behavior (Reformatorisch Dagblad).

08:27⇢Addiction Crisis Grips Struggling Dutch Entrepreneurs

The newspapers report on growing addiction problems among financially struggling small business owners, with about 20% facing some form of addiction, particularly online gambling (Het Financieele Dagblad). Personal healthcare contributions may increase by hundreds of euros (Metro Nieuws). Other headlines mention Prime Minister Schoof's personal involvement in searching for a counterterrorism official (AD.nl), Amsterdam civil servants complaining about limited freedom of expression regarding Palestine (Het Parool), a trend break in self-employed workers (Reformatorisch Dagblad), five Dutch people nearly dying after vaping (RTL Nieuws), and Russia requiring Ukrainian returnees to adopt Russian nationality (Trouw).

04:13⇢NIOD Director Claims Genocidal Violence in Gaza

The newspapers report on NIOD director stating there is "genocidal violence" in Gaza (NRC), while Amsterdam is allegedly trying to keep a critical climate report secret (De Telegraaf). Mother's Day flowers might contain dangerous toxins (AD.nl), and reforms to the Social Support Act (Wmo) are causing significant increases in personal contributions (RTL Nieuws). International concerns include India-Pakistan tensions with both countries having heavily equipped armies (Reformatorisch Dagblad) and US-China seeking de-escalation in their trade conflict (de Volkskrant). On the personal side, 17-year-old Sabrine is preparing for her final exams (Trouw).