The leader of the Party “Platform Dignity and Truth” (PPPDA) Andrei Nastase said he decided to withdraw from the race for the presidency of his own free will and wasn’t forced by someone. He made such a statement in the program “Fourth power” on N4 TV channel, IPN reports.

”No one forced me, either those from the West or those from the U.S. I’m not the man who can be influenced. I took the decision for the benefit of the country, as my conscience told me to do. I was until recently on equal positions with Maia Sandu. But my rating ultimately fell slightly in polls following the unprecedented attacks on the part of Plahotniuc’s media groups. I do not agree that my political career ends here. The people will appreciate my gesture,” stated Nastase.

The leader of the PPPDA expressed his regret at the fact that the common candidate for President wasn’t nominated earlier. “Not much time remained for the campaign. We should have done this earlier,” he said.

Andrei Nastase also said that the party he heads will focus on Marian Lupu so as to prevent him from reaching the expected runoff vote. “We must be attentive or will soon see Lupu President. We must do our best for Lupu not to reach the runoff and will then turn out attention to Dodon”, he stated.