“Hard-power” Trump budget seeks to fund Mexico wall and defeat Isis

State department spending cut by 30%. Environment and foreign aid lose out to defence.

Saudis seek deals abroad

King talks with China’s Xi and son met Trump, as kingdom aims to widen commercial ties.

A watchful eye on wildlife

Drones tested in Africa for potential to combat profound poaching crisis.

FRANCE

Netherlands: high turnout hinders far-right

Xenophobic leader Geert Wilders did not achieve the expected breakthrough on 15 March, in the Dutch legislative election.

Growth: what awaits the next president

INSEE expects 0.3% growth in the first quarter and 0.5% in the second. The unemployment rate is expected to fall to 9.5% of the labour force at the end of June.

GERMANY

Relief over election results in Holland

Despite losses, Rutte’s VVD first passes the post. Wilders’ PVV second strongest force. Difficult government building expected.

Setback for populists encourages Europe

“Treat rudeness with rudeness”. CDU/CSU and SPD conclude from the election results in the Netherlands: It is worthwhile to oppose agitation and right-wing demagogues.

ITALY

Parliament challenges the Public Prosecutors

Forza Italia’s Augusto Minzolini saved from removal thanks to 19 votes from Democratic Party senators.

The Netherlands reassures EU markets, Piazza Affari up 1.7%

The result of the parliamentary elections in the Netherlands, where the populist Geert Wilders failed in his bid to become the country’s biggest party, have boosted EU stock exchanges.

POLAND

Pensioners without pensions

The Government of PM Beata Szydło presents new elements of the pension reform – a retirement benefit will be cancelled for a person who has not worked and paid social insurance contributions for a full 15 years. In that case the contributions will be seized by the State Budget.

SPAIN

PSOE wants to control candidates’ accounts

Diaz and Lopez accept. Sanchez calls for a further meeting.

Telefónica and Vodafone: an historic deal for fibre

The Spanish operator will grant the British group access to its network for five years.

UNITED KINGDOM

Taxpayers fund extremism

Government adverts pay for hate videos and rape apologists. Google summoned to explain as big brands pull campaigns.

Sturgeon: May has sealed the fate of the UK

PM accused of “outrageous” attempt to block independence referendum.