Political analyst Anatol Taranu said the Liberal Democratic Party’s decision to withdraw Victor Bodiu from the electoral race is in favor of the party’s image. The expert stated for Info-Prim Neo that by this decision, the PLDM stopped the negative wave triggered off by Mihai Godea’s defection from the party. “It is a strategic move aimed at strengthening the Alliance for European Integration. By this move, Filat obtained a number of advantages that he will use over time,” said the analyst. According to Anatol Taranu, the PLDM’s decision represents a blow to the PCRM as Igor Dodon’s chances of winning diminished. Now that Victor Bodiu withdrew, the Liberal mayor Dorin Chirtoaca will consolidate his position at all the levels and is likely to win the elections in the first round.