Maia Sandu signed the decree for the dismissal of the director of SPPS, Vasile Popa

Maia Sandu, the president of the Republic of Moldova, signed the decrees through which she dismissed the director of the State Protection and Guard Service (SPPS), Vasile Popa, and his deputy, Vitalie Lupașcu, following their resignation requests. The decrees came into effect on November 11, and the reasons for the resignations have not been made public. Currently, the operational leadership of SPPS is ensured by Gheorghe Josanu, the deputy director, who was appointed in 2023.

Vasile Popa, who led SPPS since November 1, 2023, had a long career within the institution, being awarded the 'Military Merit' Medal. Vitalie Lupașcu, coming from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, was recently recognized as a 'model of excellence'. Although there is no official justification for the resignations, it is speculated that they may be part of a broader context of institutional adjustments in the field of security. The presidency will announce details about the new leadership of SPPS at the time of the decisions' adoption. Until then, the institution continues its activities under Josanu's coordination.