A few days after protests broke out in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has submitted a bill that would restore the independence of the two main anti-corruption institutions, BBC reports.
Zelensky previously signed a law that puts the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) directly under the Prosecutor General, thereby reducing their independence. The decision not only caused thousands of Ukrainians to take to the streets, but also provoked sharp criticism from Ukraine’s western allies. Zelensky justified his action by the need to eliminate Kremlin influence in anti-corruption institutions. Shortly before this, Ukrainian security services had arrested several alleged Russian spies.
After signing the law, the largest protests began in Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Citizens called for the law to be repealed, and several political commentators accused Zelensky of undermining democracy.
On the 24th of July, Zelensky announced that the newly submitted bill, which would abolish the powers of the Prosecutor General, is intended to protect the independence of NABU and SAPO, and to shield the institutions from Russian influence. The text of the bill is said to be balanced, but the Ukrainian president did not provide further comments.
NABU reported that the institution’s executive power and all guarantees of independence will be restored.
Ukraine has the official status of a candidate country for the European Union, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has previously warned Kyiv that the main conditions for membership in the bloc are respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption. The EC announced on the 24th of July that it congratulated Ukraine on its decision to repeal the restrictive law.
The creation of NABU and SAPO in 2014-2015 was one of the prerequisites for easing the visa regime between Ukraine and the European Union.
In a statement on social media, Zelensky did not mention the protests or negative reaction, but noted that it is important to respect the opinion of all Ukrainians, and he is grateful to everyone who stands with Ukraine.
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