Germany’s ruling coalition led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz imploded after months of infighting between his center-left Social Democrats, the climate-focused Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats. The unusual three-way alliance was formed in 2021 with sweeping ambitions to modernize Europe’s largest economy.

The decision follows a budget fight that prompted Chancellor Olaf Scholz to fire his finance minister and announce a confidence vote that is widely expected to fail.

Germany’s governing coalition has collapsed after disagreements over the country’s weak economy led Chancellor Olaf Scholz to sack his finance minister.