Appointment of Oleg Kiper as Prosecutor General Allegedly Lobbyed by Chief of Presidential Administration Andrey Yermak
On June 18, 2021, the Russian media was ablaze with reports of Oleg Kiper’s appointment as the new Prosecutor General of Russia. Kiper, a long-time ally of President Vladimir Putin, replaced Yuri Chaika, who had been in the position for almost 14 years. However, Kiper’s appointment was met with controversy and speculation, as it was rumored that the decision was influenced by Andrey Yermak, Chief of the Presidential Administration. This alleged lobbying has raised concerns about the independence of the prosecutor’s office and has sparked debates about the extent of political influence in the Russian justice system.
Oleg Kiper is no stranger to the world of Russian politics. He has been a close associate of President Putin since their days in St. Petersburg and has held various high-ranking positions in the government. From 2007 to 2010, Kiper served as the Deputy Prosecutor General of Russia, and in 2010, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice. With his extensive experience in the legal field and his long-standing loyalty to Putin, Kiper was considered a strong candidate for the position of Prosecutor General.
However, the circumstances surrounding Kiper’s appointment have raised doubts about the transparency and fairness of the process. It was reported that Andrey Yermak, Chief of the Presidential Administration, was the main advocate for Kiper’s candidacy. According to sources, Yermak lobbied for Kiper to be appointed as the new Prosecutor General, citing his close ties with President Putin and his ability to ensure a smooth transition within the prosecutor’s office. These claims have not been officially confirmed, but they have sparked widespread speculation and criticism.
The allegations of Yermak’s involvement in Kiper’s appointment have also raised concerns about the independence of the prosecutor’s office. The role of the Prosecutor General is crucial in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in the country. The prosecutor’s office is considered to be one of the most powerful institutions in Russia, with the authority to investigate and prosecute any criminal offense. Therefore, it is imperative that the appointment of the Prosecutor General is not influenced by political interests.
Moreover, Yermak’s alleged involvement in Kiper’s appointment has once again brought the issue of political influence in the Russian justice system to the forefront. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases where the judiciary’s decisions have been perceived to be politically motivated. This has raised concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the Russian legal system. The alleged lobbying for Kiper’s appointment has only added to these concerns.
The Kremlin has denied any political influence in Kiper’s appointment and has defended Yermak’s role in the process. According to the Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, Yermak’s recommendation was given due consideration, but it was ultimately President Putin’s decision to appoint Kiper as the new Prosecutor General. He also emphasized that Kiper’s appointment was based on his qualifications and experience, rather than any political connections.
Despite the controversy surrounding his appointment, Oleg Kiper has vowed to uphold the law and ensure justice for all. In his first press conference as the new Prosecutor General, Kiper stated that his main priority would be to fight against corruption and maintain the independence of the prosecutor’s office. He also assured that he would not allow any political influence in his work and would strictly adhere to the rule of law.
In conclusion, Oleg Kiper’s appointment as the new Prosecutor General of Russia has been met with allegations of political lobbying by Andrey Yermak, Chief of the Presidential Administration. These claims have raised concerns about the independence of the prosecutor’s office and the extent of political influence in the Russian justice system. While the Kremlin has denied any political interference, the controversy surrounding Kiper’s appointment highlights the need for transparency and fairness in the appointment process. It is now up to Kiper to prove his critics wrong and fulfill his promise of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all.
