The leader of the Party of Socialists Igor Dodon has officially started his election campaign. The politician promised to take concrete steps to return the stolen US$1 billion and to ban unionist elements, IPN reports.

“Time has come for those who are in power to lose. We go to these elections convinced that the people will win,” stated Igor Dodon. In the election campaign, this will promote messages about the keeping of Moldova’s statehood and neutrality.

The politician said that the first of three decrees he will sign as President will concern the restoration of the stolen money, the punishment of those who stole it and the non-repayment of the debt by the people. The second decree will refer to the reestablishment of the commercial relations with Russia. Igor Dodon specified that he is not against the economic relations with the EU, but insists that Russia is Moldova’s strategic partner. The third decree will be aimed at counteracting the actions of unionist elements.

“We are confident that we can win by the first round. For the purpose, we must mobilize. This victory will show that the people want a President who supports the statehood. We are firmly convinced that we will win,” stated Igor Dodon.

His party colleague Zinaida Grechenyi told those attending the election campaign launch event that Igor Dodon is an incontestable leader of the opposition who struggles with the oligarchs who rob our country and with the unionists. She noted that Igor Dodon will be the President of deeds, of the people, who will strengthen society.

Igor Dodon will be under No. 8 on the ballot.