Moves to secure legal protection for the Lincolnshire sausage have suffered a major blow with the rejection of an appeal.

BBC: Lincolnshire sausage appeal rejected by minister

As the government moves to secure low interest rates to finance its own debt, equities markets have surged out of anemic territory, and companies with their wits about them are reporting higher than expected earnings for the last quarter of 2010.

FORBES: Tidal Wave Of Debt Still Guiding U.S. Monetary Policy

However, one of Mr Berlusconi's first moves was to secure the transport portfolio there for a supporter, Antonio Tajani.

ECONOMIST: Alitalia and the taxpayer

Still, analysts say its place appears secure, thanks to aggressive moves into Europe and emerging markets, a greater focus on consumer research and an embrace of open operating systems, including Windows Mobile, Symbian and Google 's (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) Android.

FORBES: Mobile Firms Fight For Third