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Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

For weeks, protesters in the Czech Republic have gathered to demonstrate against the billionaire

prime minister, Andre Babish. He's under investigation for alleged misuse of European funds,

and sparked widespread anger after appointing a friendly justice minister when talk turned to

inditing him. It's a tactic that appears to be on the rise in Eastern Europe.

And when Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, it coveted more than strategic ports.

It also wanted control of the region's wine industry, but problems ranging from bottle shortages

to sanctions are vexing ventners there.

First up, though.

In Israel just last month, Benjamin Netanyahu was celebrating a strong showing by his

Lecude party in parliamentary elections. He had been forced to call an early poll as he faced

a raft of corruption allegations. His victory seemed like a vote of confidence by the Israeli people,

and he grinned as he greeted cheering crowds on election night. But all has not gone smoothly since.

Israel has many political parties, and Mr. Netanyahu has struggled to build the coalition he needs

...