“We will not vote the candidate of the Alliance for European Integration (AEI) for the post of President,” MP Igor Dodon reiterated in a meeting of the Chisinau Press Club, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. He reasserted that his group is for an apolitical candidate for the presidency, who can discuss with all the parliamentary groups and secure their support. “If our group votes for the AEI’s candidate, what will be our prospects as politicians in three years, when the mandate of the current legislature expires? Many people do not support the steps taken by the ruling alliance and wait for changes,” said Igor Dodon. The lawmaker also said that in the discussions he had with the leaders of the AEI, he only proposed Zinaida Greceanyi for the presidency, but did not impose a condition. She is not a member of the PCRM and showed strength of character and consistency in many situations when she was a Prime Minister. According to him, if this candidate does not suit the AEI for different reasons, they can identify another one. “This should be a person with experience, who held high-ranking positions, and must be supported by everyone. The candidate must promise that after voted in, he/she will put forward a proposal to amend the Constitution so as to transfer a series of powers from the President to Parliament and bring the constitutional reform to an end,” stated Igor Dodon. “I don’t think the AEI wants a powerful head of state, with the powers enjoyed at present. For example, the Prime Minister does not need a strong President, and we know why. I believe they will look for a person with experience, but who will not overshadow the leaders of the AEI.” Igor Dodon voiced hope that the head of state will be elected if not in the first than in the second round of voting. “The ruling parties do not want early legislative elections. The PCRM neither wants them. After we left it, this party encountered image-related and other kinds of problems. About 10-20 persons defect from the PCRM daily or weekly. Maybe this is not serious as the percentage is low, but the fact that they leave is serious. That’s why I think they will vote for a candidate for the presidency, even if it is the AEI’s candidate,” said the MP.