Moldova's pro-European government has collapsed after it was defeated in a confidence vote caused by rivalries within the ruling coalition, likely leading to new elections.

Some 54 lawmakers voted Tuesday 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.

Filat, who became prime minister in January 2011, has moved this impoverished former Soviet republic of 4.1 million closer to Europe.

The opposition Communist Party brought the motion saying Moldovans were dissatisfied with the economy and corruption. Filat's government has three days to step down and can try to form a new coalition before an election has to be called.