Political unrest in Romania involving Brașov councilor and SPP leadership

Two separate political controversies are unfolding in Romania involving allegations of misconduct and calls for leadership changes.

In Brașov, civic activist Alexandru Cușnir, president of the Brașovul Civic Association, has accused USR local councilor Sebastian Ichim of making death threats. Cușnir claims that during a Brașov City Council meeting, Ichim initially threatened to hit him with a chair. Following the meeting, Cușnir alleges that Ichim ran toward him, shoved him, and asked, “Do you want to die?”. Cușnir has announced intentions to file a criminal complaint and is calling for Ichim’s resignation from all public and political positions.

In Bucharest, several civic groups, including “Corupția Ucide”, have organized a protest at Cotroceni Palace to demand the dismissal of Lucian Pahonțu, the head of the Protection and Guard Service (SPP). The organizers cite Pahonțu’s past as a former officer in the Securitate troops during the 1989 Revolution and his alleged involvement in the 1990 University Square clashes. The protesters are criticizing President Nicușor Dan for defending Pahonțu and failing to reform the SPP of influences from the former communist-era security apparatus.