President Klaus Iohannis signed the decree by which General Lucian Pahonțu, who has been in charge of the Protection and Guard Service since 2005, will go into reserve as of November 2.
Lucian Pahonțu, head of the Protection and Security Service (SPP). Photo: Inquam
UPDATE – “In accordance with the provisions of art. 7 paragraph 1 of Law no. 191/1998 on the organization and operation of the Protection and Guard Service, with subsequent amendments and additions, the SPP is led by a director with the rank of secretary of state, appointed by the President of Romania, at the proposal of CSAT. In accordance with the provisions of art. 86 paragraph 23 of Law no. 80/1995 on the status of military personnel, the generals of the Protection and Guard Service are kept active until they reach the age of 60. Mr. gl. Lucian-Silvan Pahonţu will be transferred to the reserve from his military capacity, upon reaching the age of 60, on November 2, 2024. The termination of his capacity as SPP director, with the rank of state secretary, requires the issuance of a dismissal decree “SPP sent at Adevărul’s request.
President Klaus Iohannis signed the decree on Friday by which General Lucian Pahonțu, the head of the Protection and Guard Service (SPP), will go into reserve as of November 2. The decision, which surprised many, comes in the context where, recently, it was discussed about the possibility of the president extending his mandate for another six months.
Lucian Pahonțu has been in charge of the SPP since December 2005, having an impressive military career. From the rank of Brigadier General, which he attained in 2003, he was promoted to Major General in 2006 and to three-star General in 2008. His retirement raises questions about the future of the SPP and who will take over the leadership of this key institution.
It is interesting to note that, currently, the Romanian Intelligence Service does not have an established head, and this could create a similar situation in the case of the SPP. It remains to be seen whether President Iohannis will convene the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) to discuss this transition and whether he will announce a successor for Pahonțu before the fall elections.
The controversies during Pahonțu’s mandate
Lucian Pahonțu stood out in the field of national security with his appointment at the head of the Protection and Security Service (SPP), having prior experience in defense structures. Under his leadership, SPP carried out numerous protection and security missions for Romanian and foreign officials, playing an essential role in ensuring the security of presidents, prime ministers and other dignitaries. Pahonțu was reconfirmed over time in office, benefiting from support from several administrations, including those led by Traian Băsescu and Klaus Iohannis, which strengthened his status as long-term leader of the SPP.
Pahonțu’s mandate was not without controversy, being often subject to criticism from the public and political environment. Among the accusations brought against him is the alleged involvement of the SPP in influencing some political leaders or in providing information to certain personalities. For example, in 2018, the former president of the Chamber of Deputies, Liviu Dragnea, accused Pahonțu of interfering in political decisions, considering him responsible for “unconstitutional activities” intended to influence PSD members. Pahonțu denied these accusations, emphasizing the apolitical nature of the SPP.
His name has also been associated with scandals related to SPP’s protocol expenses, as well as close relations with certain businessmen, although these allegations have not been officially proven. Even in the absence of concrete evidence, constant criticism in the public sphere has fueled speculation about the real influence exerted by the SPP during its tenure.
