Unemployment remains stubbornly high (11.4%, or 4.4m people without jobs), revenue is dwindling, prospects for tax breaks next year, when another general election is due, look slim.

ECONOMIST: Germany

At the outset, then, the chances of a new government after the general election due on October 3rd look slim.

ECONOMIST: Wolfgang Sch��ssel, an Austrian abroad

Say it sotto voce, but the latest results from Italy's general election point to the slimmest of slim victories for centre-left leader Romano Prodi .

FORBES: Italian Election: Prodi Declares Victory Over Berlusconi