The leader of the opposition Socialist Party said the bonus plan was scandalous and BNP's lowest-paid employees protested outside its headquarters.

ECONOMIST: Bankers' pay and the French

With the help of a bonus given to the winning party, the pro-Berlusconi camp has a 98-seat majority in the 630-member lower chamber, with all but a few thousand votes counted.

ECONOMIST: Italy's election

But given the reaction across the water, local party treasurers should not be counting on a bonus from the taxpayer anytime soon.

BBC: Northern Ireland

He was threatened with a vote in the House of Commons, organised by the now-opposition Labour Party, on whether he should take his annual bonus.

ECONOMIST: A bitter row about executive pay is about something bigger

Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell said her party supported the council tax freeze and the continuation of the Small Business Bonus Scheme.

BBC: Local government finance debate