Portugal's PM has criticised the top court's ruling that parts of the 2013 budget are unconstitutional, and has held urgent talks with the president.

BBC: Union protest in Lisbon, 22 March

Corruption in Spain coupled with the possible return of former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi to the top job in Rome have unsettled European sovereign debt markets.

FORBES: Spain's Rajoy Accused Of Receiving Illegal Cash Payments As Corruption Scandal Widens

However, the PM said last week that the top two posts could be contested at the next party polls in 1999.

CNN: Straight from the Heart