lead, and it's now been decided he'll be the Socialist Party candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Mr Hollande has never served in government, and his enemies say he lacks political substance. But he's got a cool head; he's well liked not just on the left, and above all the polls all show that he can easily beat Nicolas Sarkozy in April.

The Italian government has promised tough punishment for those behind Saturday's riots in Rome, some of the worst street violence in the city for decades. Police clashed with demonstrators on a march through the capital, one of a series of protests around the world against corporate greed and cuts to public services. At least 20 people were arrested, and dozens of people were injured. From Rome, here's David Willey.

The authorities have been swift to

sweep up

the street damage, tow away burnt-out cars, sandblast graffiti and board up or replace broken bank and shop windows. But Italians are astonished at how several hundred protesters, many dressed in black and wearing crash helmets, managed to cause

mayhem

in the Italian capital for four hours on Saturday. Interior Minister Roberto Maroni called for exemplary punishments.

Forces from Libya's interim authority, the NTC, are trying to find a new strategy to dislodge fighters still loyal to Colonel Gaddafi from their position in the city of Sirte. A BBC correspondent there says the NTC forces have lost focus and momentum after days of fighting. Our correspondent says the situation remains chaotic and violent.