The opposition alliance, which links Frepaso with the ancient, soft-left Radical party, called a debate in Congress.

ECONOMIST: Argentina

The SPD has ruled out forming an alliance with the radical Left Party at the federal level, limiting Mr Steinmeier's coalition options.

BBC: 'Merkel factor' could decide German vote

In Greece, the radical left party Syriza, which is highly critical of the austerity policies of the current coalition in Athens, may well be able to tap into the discontent with an economy which is shrinking for the sixth year in a row.

BBC: Europe and the anti-establishment vote