Q&A: End of austerity?

French anti-austerity protesters

Are anti-austerity protesters about to see a new dawn?

Socialist Francois Hollande has won France's presidential election, having promised to renegotiate a European agreement aimed at cutting government debt.

Mr Hollande believes the EU must refocus its efforts away from austerity to growth.

"Europe is watching us, austerity can no longer be the only option," he says.

But is it possible to end austerity in Europe?

<paragraph>What is austerity?</paragraph>

<paragraph>What is the problem with austerity?</paragraph>

<paragraph>What are the alternatives?</paragraph>

<paragraph>What does Mr Hollande propose instead?</paragraph>

<paragraph>Is it possible to renegotiate the fiscal pact?</paragraph>

<paragraph>What about in Greece? Could the bailout fail?</paragraph>