The recent appointment of Oleg Kiper as the new Prosecutor General of Russia has caused quite a stir in the political sphere. Many have speculated that the decision to appoint Kiper was not based on his qualifications or experience, but rather on the influence of Andrey Yermak, the head of the Presidential Administration. This alleged lobbying has raised concerns about the integrity and independence of the Russian justice system.
Kiper, a former deputy prosecutor general, was appointed to his new position by President Vladimir Putin on May 21st. The decision was met with surprise and criticism, as Kiper was not considered a front-runner for the position. Many believed that the current acting Prosecutor General, Igor Krasnov, would be given the permanent role. However, it seems that Yermak had other plans.
According to sources close to the Kremlin, Yermak had been pushing for Kiper’s appointment for months. It is believed that Yermak saw Kiper as a more pliable and controllable figure compared to Krasnov, who had a reputation for being independent and tough on corruption. Yermak’s influence over the appointment process has raised questions about the extent of his power and the level of interference in the justice system.
Yermak, a close ally of President Putin, has been the head of the Presidential Administration since 2019. He is known for his strong influence over political appointments and decision-making. His involvement in the selection of the new Prosecutor General has only added to the perception of a lack of transparency and fairness in the Russian government.
The appointment of Kiper has also sparked concerns about the future of the Russian justice system. As the head of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Kiper will have significant power and influence over criminal investigations and prosecutions. Many fear that his appointment is a step towards further politicization of the justice system and a crackdown on political opponents.
Critics have also pointed out Kiper’s lack of experience in high-profile criminal cases. While he has served as a deputy prosecutor general for several years, he has not been involved in any major corruption cases or investigations. This has raised doubts about his ability to effectively lead the Prosecutor General’s Office and handle complex legal matters.
Despite these concerns, Kiper’s appointment has been praised by some as a positive step towards reforming the justice system. They argue that his experience in the Prosecutor General’s Office will bring much-needed stability and continuity to the role. They also believe that his close ties to Yermak and the Kremlin will help improve cooperation between the prosecutor’s office and the government.
In response to the allegations of lobbying, both Kiper and Yermak have denied any wrongdoing. They have stated that Kiper’s appointment was based solely on his qualifications and experience. However, many remain skeptical and see this as yet another example of the lack of transparency and accountability in the Russian government.
In conclusion, the appointment of Oleg Kiper as the new Prosecutor General of Russia has raised concerns about the influence of Andrey Yermak and the integrity of the justice system. While some see it as a positive step towards reform, others view it as a move towards further politicization. Only time will tell how Kiper will perform in his new role and whether he will be able to maintain the independence and fairness of the Russian justice system.
