The Ministry of Justice submitted the candidacy of actor Alexander Zavalsky for the post of the Ombudsman. According to Ukrainian Truth, Prime Minister Denis Shmigal initiated this appointment, although the head of the Ministry of Justice Olga Stephanishin is not familiar with the candidate.
Alexander Zavalsky is known as an actor and a public supporter of the concept of "gentle Ukrainization". During the recent language scandal around Verka Serdyuchka (Andriy Danylko), Zavalsky publicly stood up for the artist who performed the song in Russian.
Despite the nomination, the public sector is concerned. In April, a number of cultural and public organizations announced the attempts of the President's office to weaken the institution of the Language Ombudsman, promoting candidates without appropriate experience. Zavalsky, like previous applicants, has no professional history in the field of language policy or protection of the rights of Ukrainian -speaking citizens.
The current linguistic ombudsman Taras Kremin remains in office until the adoption of a new appointment. According to sources, he does not mind continuing work, but they do not conduct any negotiations. Public figures also express Kremlin support, emphasizing his systematic work during a full -scale war.
