According to reports published on August 26 by the investigative outlet Recorder, Lucian Pahonțu, who has served as the head of the Special Protection and Guard Service (SPP) for 21 years, cosmetized his curriculum vitae and concealed sensitive details of his career history. The publication stated that Pahonțu is the nephew of Vasile Milea, the final Minister of Defense during the communist era, whose death inside the Central Committee of the PCR—now the headquarters of the Ministry of Administration and Interior (MAI)—remains a subject of public debate. Recorder also reported that Pahonțu served as an officer in the Security Troops between 1987 and 1990 and was part of the repressive forces deployed against demonstrators during the December 1989 revolution that ousted Nicolae Ceaușescu. The publication alleged he was stationed near the barricade at the Intercontinental Hotel on the night of December 21, 1989, and was in the front line during the June 13–15, 1990, Mineriad.
President Nicușor Dan Defends Pahonțu Amid Historical Repression Allegations
On August 28, President Nicușor Dan responded to the public allegations by stating that the repression of demonstrations during the Revolution and the Mineriads represent a stain on Romania’s history, according to official statements. The head of state called it regrettable that prosecutors have not elucidated these events after so much time, adding that he is circumspect they ever will. However, President Dan defended the long-serving SPP director, asserting that while any person who participated in such repression has no moral place in a high state function, “Domnul Pahonțu nu e în această situație” (“Mr. Pahonțu is not in this situation”), as reported by local media.
Cristian Tudor Popescu Criticizes President Dan’s Stance on SPP Chief
Reacting on August 29 to the presidential statements, journalist Cristian Tudor Popescu told Libertatea that President Dan has lost his moral authority. “Această frază rostită de Nicușor Dan, ‘Domnul Pahonțu nu e în această situație,’ pentru mine îl trece pe Nicușor Dan în spatele armelor care au ucis oameni în decembrie 1989” (“This sentence uttered by Nicușor Dan, ‘Mr. Pahonțu is not in this situation,’ for me moves Nicușor Dan behind the guns that killed people in December 1989”), Cristian Tudor Popescu stated to Libertatea. The 69-year-old commentator questioned how the president could assume Pahonțu’s innocence while admitting that prosecutors have not finished their investigations.
Did you know?
Lucian Pahonțu has led the SPP since 2005, making him one of the longest-serving intelligence and protection agency heads in post-communist Romania, despite being transferred to the reserve in November 2024.
Intelligence Leadership Vacancies and the Ongoing Government Formation
The controversy surrounds a broader institutional landscape involving Romania’s intelligence agencies and executive branch. Eduard Hellvig resigned from the leadership of the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI) in July 2023 after eight years and four months, leaving the agency under interim first-deputy Răzvan Ionescu for three years as neither former President Klaus Iohannis nor former interim President Ilie Bolojan appointed a permanent director. Meanwhile, Gabriel Vlase has led the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE) since 2018. On June 4, 2025, President Dan stated at his first Cotroceni press conference that a civilian director is needed at the SRI and that Vlase would be changed at the SIE, while noting an evaluation for Pahonțu that never materialized. On July 7, 2026, President Dan stated that appointing intelligence chiefs is as difficult as forming a new government and remarked, “Nu cred că a avea un şef civil e o chestiune aşa de importantă” (“I don’t think having a civilian head is such an important matter”). Concurrently, following the removal of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan via a censure motion on May 5, a new executive is expected to be formed within 10 days, according to Libertatea information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Lucian Pahonțu?
Lucian Pahonțu is a general who was transferred to the reserve in November 2024 and has served as the head of the Special Protection and Guard Service (SPP) since 2005.
What did Recorder allege about Lucian Pahonțu?
According to Recorder, Pahonțu concealed sensitive career details, served in the Security Troops from 1987 to 1990, was deployed against anti-communist protesters in December 1989, and participated in the June 1990 Mineriad.
How did President Nicușor Dan respond to the allegations?
President Dan stated that while historical repression is a stain on Romania, Mr. Pahonțu was not involved in those specific actions, despite ongoing and uncompleted prosecutorial investigations.
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What was Cristian Tudor Popescu’s reaction?
Writing for Libertatea, Cristian Tudor Popescu criticized President Dan’s remarks, arguing that defending the SPP chief effectively places the president behind the armed forces responsible for deaths during the 1989 Revolution.
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