In light of nationwide protests, Zelensky has introduced a draft law aimed at safeguarding the autonomy of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies, following widespread criticism of prior legislation that constrained their powers.
Zelensky Responds to Protests with New Anti-Corruption Law Proposal
Zelensky Responds to Protests with New Anti-Corruption Law Proposal
Ukrainian President Vows to Strengthen Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies
In a significant move responding to the largest anti-government protests since the outbreak of war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he has approved a new draft law designed to protect the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap). This comes merely days after widespread discontent emerged over a law imposing new restrictions on these crucial institutions.
The protests erupted after a controversial law was passed which placed Nabu and Sap under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor general, a position appointed by the president. Zelensky defended this decision by citing concerns over Russian influence, highlighting ongoing operations by Ukraine’s security services that targeted suspected Russian operatives within these agencies.
Despite his prior rationale, Zelensky shifted his narrative on Thursday, asserting that the new bill is aimed at ensuring Nabu's and Sap's independence against foreign meddling, particularly from Russia. However, the details of this draft law remain unclear. Following the initial legislation, thousands of Ukrainian citizens flooded the streets, advocating for the vetoing of what they perceived as a threat to the integrity and effectiveness of these anti-corruption bodies.
International observers, including Ukraine's Western allies, expressed alarm regarding the legal changes, with the European Commission stressing that the rule of law and effective anti-corruption measures are essential for Ukraine’s aspirations of EU membership. A spokesperson affirmed the Commission's intent to work with Ukraine's government to address their concerns after the recent turmoil.
The establishment of Nabu and Sap in 2014-2015 was a step towards compliance with the EU’s criteria for facilitating visa regime relaxation with Ukraine. Following Zelensky’s latest comments on social media, he emphasized the importance of respecting the opinions of all Ukrainians, albeit without directly addressing the protests or the fierce backlash to the previous legislation.
Opposition figures, such as MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, ridiculed Zelensky’s approach, questioning the necessity of initially stripping these agencies of their powers if their independence was to be safeguarded afterward. As the situation unfolds, the political landscape continues to evolve as Ukrainians remain vigilant in holding its leaders accountable.
The protests erupted after a controversial law was passed which placed Nabu and Sap under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor general, a position appointed by the president. Zelensky defended this decision by citing concerns over Russian influence, highlighting ongoing operations by Ukraine’s security services that targeted suspected Russian operatives within these agencies.
Despite his prior rationale, Zelensky shifted his narrative on Thursday, asserting that the new bill is aimed at ensuring Nabu's and Sap's independence against foreign meddling, particularly from Russia. However, the details of this draft law remain unclear. Following the initial legislation, thousands of Ukrainian citizens flooded the streets, advocating for the vetoing of what they perceived as a threat to the integrity and effectiveness of these anti-corruption bodies.
International observers, including Ukraine's Western allies, expressed alarm regarding the legal changes, with the European Commission stressing that the rule of law and effective anti-corruption measures are essential for Ukraine’s aspirations of EU membership. A spokesperson affirmed the Commission's intent to work with Ukraine's government to address their concerns after the recent turmoil.
The establishment of Nabu and Sap in 2014-2015 was a step towards compliance with the EU’s criteria for facilitating visa regime relaxation with Ukraine. Following Zelensky’s latest comments on social media, he emphasized the importance of respecting the opinions of all Ukrainians, albeit without directly addressing the protests or the fierce backlash to the previous legislation.
Opposition figures, such as MP Oleksiy Goncharenko, ridiculed Zelensky’s approach, questioning the necessity of initially stripping these agencies of their powers if their independence was to be safeguarded afterward. As the situation unfolds, the political landscape continues to evolve as Ukrainians remain vigilant in holding its leaders accountable.
