As public outrage mounts in Ukraine, President Zelensky's recent law, which limits the independence of key anti-corruption bodies, has sparked significant protests. Thousands have taken to the streets, voicing concerns that this move could impede Ukraine's European integration and reignite a culture of corruption.
Growing Discontent in Ukraine Following Presidential Control Over Anti-Corruption Agencies
Growing Discontent in Ukraine Following Presidential Control Over Anti-Corruption Agencies
President Zelensky faces widespread protests after signing a law diminishing the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies amidst allegations of undermining democratic reforms.
Ukraine is witnessing a surge of protests in response to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent controversial legislation that restricts the independence of two major anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). The new law, enacted after securing the approval of 263 out of 324 MPs, places these bodies under the purview of the prosecutor general, a position appointed directly by the president himself.
Demonstrators have gathered in Kyiv and other cities, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's move by waving placards with slogans such as “shame” and “Corruption lives – the future dies.” Zelensky acknowledged the protests and indicated that he would introduce a new bill to parliament, although he refrained from detailing its contents.
Critics, including various international stakeholders, have raised alarms regarding the potential ramifications of the new legislation on Ukraine's ongoing struggle with corruption—a fight that underpins its aspirations for closer ties with the European Union. The European Commission has requested clarification from the Ukrainian government, reiterating that EU membership criteria require adherence to the rule of law and effective anti-corruption mechanisms.
Zelensky defended his actions by arguing that reforms were necessary to address stagnated criminal proceedings and to rid the agencies of residual Russian influence. Yet, many assess that this compromise on independence could severely diminish their investigatory powers, raising fears of a regression to past corruption levels seen under the pro-Russian regime of Viktor Yanukovych, ousted in 2014 during the Euromaidan protests.
As the protests intensified—marking the most significant anti-government demonstrations since the onset of the war with Russia—voices from civil society, including army veterans, have condemned the government's perceived shift toward authoritarian governance. Concerns deepened over whether high-profile individuals associated with the government would evade scrutiny, as the independence of NABU and SAP has been crucial in their past investigations into extensive corruption across various sectors.
The protests signified not only immediate discontent but also a potential threat to Ukraine's hopes of further European integration, which had previously gained momentum after being granted EU candidate status in 2022. As discontent grows among Ukrainians, the implications of this legislation on both domestic and international fronts remain significant and contentious. The ongoing anti-government sentiment underscores the delicate balance Ukraine must maintain as it navigates its political landscape amidst the backdrop of war and calls for reform.
