ALBANIA: Opposition lawmakers caused a commotion in Parliament today, trying to disrupt a session in protest against the governing Socialists.

Socialist lawmakers were blocked from taking their seats by the right-wing Democrats, who stacked chairs on top of each other in the central hall. 

The session in the 140-member chamber later went ahead regardless and 73 Socialist lawmakers voted in favour of 21 draft laws.

FRANCE: Recording-breaking winds of more than 118 mph in France and across much of Western Europe left at least five people dead and injured several others today. 

Storm Ciaran swept through the continent overnight and into the daylight hours, plunging vast numbers into darkness, devastating homes and causing travel mayhem in several countries.

GREECE: Fourteen people were due to appear in court today following their arrests during extensive clashes between members of far-right groups and participants in a counter-demonstration.

Supporters of the extreme-right group Golden Dawn defied a blanket police ban on demonstrations in greater Athens late on Wednesday and clashed with protesters from a rival rally led by left-wing organisations that had also defied the order.

BANGLADESH: Police in Bangladesh’s capital used tear gas and stun grenades today to disperse more than 1,000 garment factory workers who had taken to the streets for a sixth straight day to demand better wages.

Thousands of others also protested in the Gazipur industrial district, just outside Dhaka, amid frustration over higher commodity prices, rent and other bills. In both Dhaka and Gazipur, about 300 factories employing thousands of workers remained closed today, authorities said.