Irina Podnosova, a former student colleague of the Russian president, has now been appointed chairwoman of the Supreme Court in Russia. She succeeds Vyacheslav Lebedev, who died in February at the age of 80 after more than 30 years at the helm.
The 70-year-old Podnosova was nominated for the post by the Kremlin at the beginning of April. Putin has repeatedly promoted friends and companions from his time in St. Petersburg, as well as relatives, to lucrative positions. Kremlin critics complain about widespread nepotism and favoritism, which the president has long used to secure his power. In the past, he has also had the Russian constitution changed, which offers him protection from criminal prosecution. The appointment takes effect immediately and is elected for a period of six years.