As Germany tries to come to terms with the latest terror attack to hit Europe, Angela Merkel must ready for the populist hard-right declarations, writes Josh Lowe

Pro-independence parties pushing for Catalonia to break away and form a new Mediterranean nation have won a landmark vote by capturing a regional Spanish parliamentary majority – setting up a possible showdown with the government in Madrid.

Spain’s King Juan Carlos has announced he will abdicate in favour of his more popular son so that fresh royal blood can rally the nation.

Portuguese voters have handed the coalition government a heavy defeat in local elections, apparently reflecting widespread public opposition to austerity measures and workplace reforms following the country’s €78bn bail-out.