The Federation Council has appointed Lyudmila Zharkova, a judge of the Constitutional Court, as the Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. The decision was unanimously approved by senators on June 4th.

Zharkova’s nomination was put forward by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and senators gave their support a day prior to the official appointment.

Valery Zorkin, the head of the Constitutional Court, introduced Zharkova’s candidacy, emphasizing her extensive practical experience and unwavering focus on the Constitution. He also noted the support of her colleagues for the appointment.

The position of Deputy Chairman became vacant following the death of Sergey Mavrin on April 1st, who had served in the role since 2009.

Zharkova is one of the most senior members of the Constitutional Court, having served as a judge since 1997. Born in Petrozavodsk in 1955, she began her legal career in Karelia and also served in the Constitutional Court of the republic. Her primary areas of expertise are labor and state law.