The collapse of Germany's ruling coalition is set to bring more economic pain in the months ahead and just a glimmer of hope for Europe's ailing economic giant if, and that is a big if, it can lead to a less fractious government and more coherent policies.

Germany's conservative opposition heaped pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz's crisis-hit government Thursday to allow for speedy elections by calling a confidence vote next week rather than next year.

Germany’s leader is expected to lead the country with a minority government after the collapse of the coalition.