Zelensky Reconsiders Anti-Corruption Law Following Nationwide Protests

In a surprising move, President Zelensky has proposed a new law to restore the autonomy of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, prompted by significant public outcry and international pressure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reversed course on legislative changes impacting key anti-corruption agencies after a wave of protests erupted across the nation. In the wake of public outcry regarding amendments that threatened the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), Zelensky announced a draft bill aimed at reinstating their freedoms.

This change comes shortly after the law, which brought both NABU and SAP under the purview of the president-appointed prosecutor general, incited the largest anti-government demonstrations in Ukraine since the onset of the war. Citizens flocked to roads and plazas, voicing their discontent through placards urging the veto of the controversial legislation.

Zelensky acknowledged the situation in a Thursday statement, asserting the new draft law is designed to bolster the protection of NABU and SAP from external influences, particularly Russian interference. He described the bill as "well-balanced" but has yet to disclose specific details regarding its provisions. NABU confirmed that the proposed legislation would restore their procedural powers and guarantees of independence.

The original legislative action was justified by Zelensky as a necessary measure against potential Russian infiltration within these institutions, coinciding with recent investigations into alleged espionage at NABU. However, critics have expressed concerns over what they perceive as democratic erosion in Ukraine, especially in light of the EU's stance on maintaining rule of law and anti-corruption measures as pivotal to Kyiv's aspirations for EU membership.

Following the backlash, the European Commission welcomed the Ukrainian government's decision to reconsider the anti-corruption law. A spokesperson reaffirmed the EU's commitment to working with Ukraine to ensure its alignment with European standards.

Despite the protests and the pressure from international allies, Zelensky’s social media post did not reference the demonstrations but emphasized the importance of considering the views of all Ukrainians and appreciating those who support the nation's position.

The evolution of this situation highlights the ongoing balancing act that Ukraine faces in its fight against corruption, especially amidst external threats and aspirations for closer ties with Europe. The eventual outcome of Zelensky's proposed bill remains to be seen, as public scrutiny and political pressure persist.