Photo: AFP / Fred Tanneau
Europe correspondent Seamus Kearney looks at how political instability in two of the continent's biggest economies is putting the brake on decision making.
The French president has appointed his fourth prime minister in a year after a confidence vote toppled Michael Barnier.
And in Germany, a confidence vote is due in Parliament today which will pave the way for snap elections in February.
Israel is closing its embassy in Ireland, accusing the government of "extreme anti-Israel policies" and verdicts and sentences are expected this week in a rape trial that made global headlines.
