Europe knows what it wants...and deserves to get it

Lithuanians stand up against Russia;

Lithuania's incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite has declared victory following a second round of voting in the Baltic country's presidential elections.

With nearly all votes counted she had won 58% with her Social Democrat rival Zigmantas Balcytis trailing on 42%.

The election was fought amid rising concerns in the region after Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

....President Grybauskaite's reputation for plain speaking has led to her being dubbed the "Iron Lady", the nickname of former British PM Margaret Thatcher whom she describes as one of her political models.

The French and British are unhappy with everyone and everything;

UK Independence Party and French National Front both performed strongly. The three big centrist blocs all lost seats, though still hold the majority.

The outcome means a greater say for those who want to cut back the EU's powers, or abolish it completely.

UK PM David Cameron said the public was "disillusioned" with the EU.Mr Cameron said their message was "received and understood".

French President Francois Hollande has called an urgent meeting of his cabinet, as Prime Minister Manuel Valls promised tax cuts a day after the results which he described as "a shock, an earthquake".

And transplanted Spaniards tweak Fidel Castro's nose;

The wives of two jailed opposition mayors in Venezuela have won elections to replace them.

The two women, whose husbands were sentenced earlier this year over their failure to contain opposition protests, won by a landslide.

....Patricia Gutierrez won 73% of the vote in the western city of San Cristobal, while Rosa Brandonisio won in the central city of San Diego with 88%.

Voters go for strong defenses against Russia, tax cuts and anti-Castroism. Ronnie and Maggie smile.