The head of the Protection and Guard Service (SPP), Lucian Pahonţu, has been retired starting from November 2nd, by a decree signed by President Klaus Iohannis.
According to the Presidential Administration, President Iohannis signed on Friday „the decree regarding the retirement of Mr. General – with four stars, Lucian-Silvan Pahonţu from the Protection and Guard Service, on November 2, 2024”.
This year, Pahonţu turns 60 and has been leading the SPP since 2005.
Representatives of SPP have specified that Pahonţu remains at the helm of the institution, with only his military status changing.
The head of SPP holds the rank of a state secretary and is appointed by the country's president, at the proposal of CSAT.
"According to the provisions of art.7 para.1 of Law no.191/1998 regarding the organization and functioning of the Protection and Guard Service, with subsequent amendments and completions, SPP is led by a director with the rank of a state secretary, appointed by the President of Romania, at the proposal of CSAT.
In accordance with the provisions of art. 86 para.23 of Law no.80/1995 regarding the status of military personnel, the generals from the Protection and Guard Service are kept in activity until the age of 60. Mr. Gen. Lucian-Silvan Pahonţu is retired from his military capacity upon reaching the age of 60, on November 2, 2024. The cessation of the position of SPP director, with the rank of a state secretary, involves the issuance of a decree for release from office," SPP conveyed.