In Italy, the parliament has been dissolved by the President after Prime Minister, Mario Monti resigned yesterday.

The move paves the way for national elections expected in February.

Mr Monti, brought in last year to form a technocratic government, stepped down after his budget was passed.

It followed the withdrawal of support from former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's party. 

Mr Berlusconi is to run again, but Monti has not yet unveiled his plans.