Experts of the Institute of Legal and Political Research of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova named Igor Botan, who is a member of the Civic Platform “Dignity and Truth”, the top political personality in October. In the rankings, Botan is followed by Head of Parliament Andrian Candu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Natalia Gherman. The data are contained in a study carried out by the Institute in cooperation with the research company Intelect Group, IPN reports.

The October rankings include 25 politicians. The fourth and fifth places are taken by Valeriu Strelet and Marian Lupu, followed by Igor Dodon, Vasile Nastase and Alexandru Tanase. Vlad Filat occupies the last spot.

Researcher Nicolae Tsveatkov said the assessment criteria included not only the political influence, political integrity and popularity among the people, but also professionalism and competence.

According to experts of the Institute of Legal and Political Research, the dismissal of the Government led by Valeriu Strelet, the arrest of the leader of the PLDM Vlad Filat, the street protests, corruption fighting and robbing of banks were the key topics discussed in October.

A quantitative survey was also carried out. The mass media were monitored through the agency of a specialized program, by the title, lead and content of the article. In October, there were monitored 25 sources of information.

“The media coverage rankings are topped by the arrest of Vlad Filat, followed by the dismissal of the Strelet Government, the case of Banca de Economii, the formation of the Government and the street protests. Among parties, the media outlets covered most of all are the PLDM, followed by the PDM, the Platform “Dignity and Truth”, the Party of Socialists and the “Our Party”,” said Intelect Group director Ian Lisnevschi.

The top five politicians who most often appeared in the media are, in descending order, Vlad Filat, Valeriu Strelet, Renato Usatyi, Ilan Shor, and Marian Lupu.