The Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM) decided to withdraw Victor Bodiu from the electoral race for the mayoralty for Chisinau and to support current mayor Dorin Chirtoaca in the elections. The statement was made by the leader of the PLDM Vlad Filat in a press briefing. Victor Bodiu remains at the top of the PLDM’s list of candidates for Chisinau councilors, Info-Prim Neo reports. “It is a conscious decision based on a strategic calculation and on political responsibility. It was taken together with our candidate Victor Bodiu and the municipal team of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova. It is not some kind of concession. It is a sacrifice that we are obliged to make in order to normalize the situation on the political arena,” said Vlad Filat. The Liberal-Democrat leader stated the move is aimed at preventing the Communist Party from taking over the City Hall, which would be another serious blow to the ruling alliance. “We cannot stop the return of the PCRM by political statements only. We must take steps. The Liberal Democratic Party took first of all a strategic decision that is aimed at helping the Alliance for European Integration’s candidate to win the mayoral elections in Chisinau in the first round. In a possible second round, any of the candidates of the parties that form part of the alliance may lose to the Communist candidate owing to the disputes between the Democratic candidates,” said Vlad Filat. He called on the other democratic parties to join them and throw support to Dorin Chirtoaca. In the same press briefing, the PLDM’s candidate for mayor of Chisinau said they took a decision of great political responsibility. “We are sure that Dorin Chirtoaca can emerge victorious in the first round of the elections. Together with the other colleagues, we will do everything possible for Mister Chirtoaca to win,” said Victor Bodiu. He specified he will officially withdraw his candidacy today, May 6.