CHISINAU, Moldova — Moldova's pro-European government collapsed Tuesday after being defeated in a confidence vote caused by rivalries within the ruling coalition, likely leading to new elections.
The vote raises questions whether the former Soviet republic will move away from the European Union, which the government has been working toward joining for the past two years, and seek closer relations with Moscow.
In all, 54 lawmakers voted to oust the government of reformist Prime Minister Vlad Filat after his main partner in the Alliance for European Integration broke away over a battle to control the justice system.
The Communist Party, which opposes European-style reforms, brought the confidence motion, saying Moldovans were dissatisfied with the economy and corruption.
(AP)
