Analysts say Mr Correa could fall quickly from grace if he is forced to tighten the purse strings after the election.

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The surprise drop in unemployment follows a survey earlier in the week suggesting German consumers were being hit hard by rising energy and food prices and were expecting to tighten the purse strings in the run up to Christmas.

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However, Wetherspoon is the latest in a long line of leisure companies to warn on slower sales as consumers tighten their purse strings.

BBC: Wetherspoon slumps on profit warning