Backlash Erupts After Zelensky Undermines Anti-Corruption Agencies

Protests escalate across Ukraine against Zelensky's controversial legislation, raising concerns over corruption and European integration.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing significant backlash following the enactment of a new law that limits the independence of two critical anti-corruption agencies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap). This law, which received support from 263 out of 324 parliament members, places these authorities under the control of the prosecutor general, a position appointed by the president himself.

Zelensky justified the legislation by claiming that Nabu and Sap had allowed criminal proceedings to stagnate and argued for a need to remove "Russian influence" from these agencies. However, many citizens believe that the new law jeopardizes the effectiveness and integrity of these bodies. Protests erupted in Kyiv and other major cities like Odesa, Lviv, and Dnipro, marking the first anti-government demonstrations since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022.

The struggle against corruption is critical to Ukraine's aspirations for European integration, a goal initiated during the 2014 protests that ousted a pro-Russian president in favor of closer ties with the West. The establishment of Nabu and Sap was a requirement from the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund over the past decade, linking their existence to the easing of visa restrictions for Ukrainians traveling to the EU.

Zelensky's recent actions raise concerns about potential setbacks in Ukraine's relationship with Europe, especially as the country has recently achieved EU candidate status, a significant political milestone. Some demonstrators at the Kyiv rally held placards declaring, "Corruption lives – the future dies," reflecting the widespread apprehension of a regression in anti-corruption efforts.

Despite a historical ranking of 105 out of 180 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index—a marked improvement since the agencies were founded—corruption remains deeply entrenched. The two entities have been essential in high-profile cases, including a recent investigation that led to the arrest of Ukraine's Supreme Court head over a $3 million bribery scandal.

By placing Nabu and Sap under presidential oversight, critics fear that prominent figures within the government may avoid scrutiny. A protester described the law as "destroying everything that has been worked on for years." Despite a nationwide ban on mass gatherings under martial law, more protests are anticipated in Ukrainian cities following this tumultuous legislative decision.

Media outlets have highlighted the implications of this law, suggesting that it undermines Ukraine's path towards European integration, while some voices have labeled it a move towards authoritarianism. Notably, war veteran Masi Nayem noted the importance of advocating for democracy and addressing both external and internal threats facing the nation.

European leaders have echoed these concerns, with Germany’s foreign minister stating that the reforms hinder Ukraine's EU trajectory. While recent discussions between Nabu, Sap, and Zelensky have led to promises of a new anti-corruption strategy, the protests indicate a sizeable segment of the population feels an urgent need for decisive accountability from their government.

As negotiations continue between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, many citizens remain focused on domestic issues and the implications of Zelensky's new law on their fight against corruption. "This is government lawlessness," said Liza, a resident of Lviv. "We don't want to have to fight both Russia and our own government."