The ACUM bloc candidate, Andrei Năstase, after being defeated in the second round of local elections in Chișinău by the socialist candidate Ion Ceban with a 5% difference, most likely, will no longer run in the next presidential race, as it was presumed in the public sphere. His defeat is a step back for him on the political stage and a lower score for the Party Platforma Demnitate și Adevăr. These statements were made in a special edition at the NTV Moldova television station.
Political scientist Boris Șapovalov said that Andrei Năstase will return to the Ministry of Interior to continue his term. Additionally, he believes that Andrei Năstase , most likely, will no longer run for president in the upcoming elections, as it was presumed in the public sphere. His defeat in the second round of local elections in Chișinău is a step back for the politician.
Political commentator Victor Stepaniuc said that he wants the ruling alliance to remain intact because the country needs this coalition. "In general, the country needs stability and progress. Neither the left nor the right need to engage in geopolitical discussions. They must set up livable conditions in the country. If Ion Ceban is better suited for this position, let him lead, however, the executive must generate its own results", said the commentator. In his opinion, Andrei Năstase must acknowledge his defeat and learn teamwork.
Socialist MP Gaik Vartanean said that Ion Ceban's election result is testimony that the residents of Chișinău were tired of negativism and were tired to vote against someone. In his opinion, over the course of a year the situation has changed and people became tired of geopolitics and fearmongering. The politician said that it is obvious that Ion Ceban's victory in Chișinău will strengthen the Socialists' position and that the ACUM bloc will have to take into account PSRM's opinion. "As for Andrei Năstase , unfortunately, he did not have the necessary political acumen or experience to change his position, compared to last year. So far, he has failed to understand that by becoming a minister, he has become a simple official who no longer is an oppositionist and who must urgently reform the ministry of interior", said Gaik Vartanean.
According to the Socialist, theoretically, PSRM and PAS councilors can form a majority in the CMC without PPDA councilors, however, this would be unfair and would affect the entire ruling coalition.
After yesterday's vote, November 3, the Socialist Ion Ceban won Chișinău's mayoral seat with 52.39% of the votes, while Andrei Năstase got 47.61% of the votes.
