Today's front pages

"Having proved resistant to all stresses", the single currency is trading at less than $1.30, its lowest level since January.

Is the euro burning? – La Tribune

Several non-eurozone nations are having doubts about the EU26 'fiscal compact', while Sarkozy inflames divisions with an attack on 'kid' Cameron

EU 26 fight to stop pact unravelling – The Independent

In power for 20 years, Transnistrian dictator Igor Smirnov has been eliminated in the first round of the breakaway Moldovan republic's presidential elections. A second round run-off will be held on Christmas day between the former House Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk and the current Speaker, Anatoly Kaminski.

Smirnov the dictator leaves the stage – Adevărul

The International Monetary Fund last night cleared the way for the next tranche of funds under Ireland’s €85 billion bailout programme.

IMF approves €3.9 billion bailout tranche after review – The Irish Times

The Slovak parliament has overturned the partial privatization of hospitals and has voted to increase the salaries of doctors, who had threatened a mass resignation over the government's liberalisation of the health system. The motion against the government was backed by the main opposition party, centre right SMER.

Doctors won thanks to SMER – SME

"How rating agencies put the heat on politics"

"Yeees, downgrade me!" – Falter

Economic woes have not affected Rovaniemi, the city of Santa Claus, as Finnish families splash out for the holiday season.

Euro crisis has no effect on Christmas – Lapin Kansa