 On 25 February 2005, following the election of President Sergei Bagapsh, Pipia was appointed to his government as Minister for Taxes and Fees, in the cabinet headed by Prime Minister Alexander Ankvab.Pipia was re-appointed in the cabinet of Sergei Shamba in 2009, following the re-election of Bagapsh.On 30 March 2011, Pipia was appointed Vice Premier, succeeding Daur Tarba who had resigned.