After significant unrest in Ukraine over new legislation, President Zelensky announces a draft law designed to reinforce the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.
Zelensky Revises Anti-Corruption Law Amid Widespread Protests
Zelensky Revises Anti-Corruption Law Amid Widespread Protests
Ukrainian President responds to public outcry by proposing new legislation to ensure independence of anti-corruption agencies.
In a recent announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed he has approved a new draft law aimed at securing the independence of two major anti-corruption entities in the nation. This decision comes in the wake of large-scale protests ignited by the passage of legislation perceived to undermine the autonomy of these agencies.
Zelensky stated that the legislation is essential to safeguard the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) from potential external influences, specifically citing concerns regarding Russian interference. Despite acknowledging the necessity of the new bill, the president refrained from disclosing specific details related to its contents.
The controversial law, enacted earlier this week, placed Nabu and Sap under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor general—a position appointed directly by the president. Following this move, thousands took to the streets in numerous cities, protesting what many viewed as an infringement on the autonomy of anti-corruption efforts. Demonstrators carried signs demanding a repeal of the legislation and raising alarm over potential democratic backsliding.
Western allies expressed their apprehensions regarding the new law, emphasizing that democratic principles, such as rule of law and robust anti-corruption mechanisms, are critical for Ukraine's aspirations of EU membership. Following the protests, European Commission spokespeople noted their commitment to collaborating with the Ukrainian government to address these concerns.
Nabu and Sap were originally established in 2014-2015 to meet key criteria set by European Commission and International Monetary Fund to support Ukraine's ambition of forming closer ties with the EU. Opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko echoed the sentiments of many critics, pointing out the contradiction in Zelensky’s approach, where independence seems to be guaranteed only after it was initially revoked.
While Zelensky's recent statements did not directly acknowledge the protesters' concerns, he affirmed the importance of valuing the opinions of all Ukrainians and acknowledged those who stand in solidarity with Ukraine during challenging times.
Zelensky stated that the legislation is essential to safeguard the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) from potential external influences, specifically citing concerns regarding Russian interference. Despite acknowledging the necessity of the new bill, the president refrained from disclosing specific details related to its contents.
The controversial law, enacted earlier this week, placed Nabu and Sap under the jurisdiction of the prosecutor general—a position appointed directly by the president. Following this move, thousands took to the streets in numerous cities, protesting what many viewed as an infringement on the autonomy of anti-corruption efforts. Demonstrators carried signs demanding a repeal of the legislation and raising alarm over potential democratic backsliding.
Western allies expressed their apprehensions regarding the new law, emphasizing that democratic principles, such as rule of law and robust anti-corruption mechanisms, are critical for Ukraine's aspirations of EU membership. Following the protests, European Commission spokespeople noted their commitment to collaborating with the Ukrainian government to address these concerns.
Nabu and Sap were originally established in 2014-2015 to meet key criteria set by European Commission and International Monetary Fund to support Ukraine's ambition of forming closer ties with the EU. Opposition MP Oleksiy Goncharenko echoed the sentiments of many critics, pointing out the contradiction in Zelensky’s approach, where independence seems to be guaranteed only after it was initially revoked.
While Zelensky's recent statements did not directly acknowledge the protesters' concerns, he affirmed the importance of valuing the opinions of all Ukrainians and acknowledged those who stand in solidarity with Ukraine during challenging times.
