Europe’s largest economy and normally a pillar of stability is facing snap elections next year after Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had hoped for this outcome when he called for the confidence vote, analysts say. His aim: to win fresh elections in February and come back with a stronger mandate.

Polls suggest that a February election will result in a rightward shift, at a moment when Europe’s largest economy is faltering.