Ukraine’s parliament has voted to repeal a law that would have limited the independence of the he National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), following protests, the BBC reports.
As lawmakers gathered for the vote on the 31st of July, some held signs reading “We are with our people.” It was a message to thousands of young people who have taken part in the largest anti-government demonstrations since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The vote was overwhelming in favor of repealing the recently passed law. The law would have stripped NABU and SAPO of some of their power to decide who prosecutes high-profile corruption cases, handing that decision over to the prosecutor general, who is accountable to the president. Protesters stressed that the independence of NABU and SAPO is crucial to Ukraine’s path to the European Union, and that the support of allies to stand up to Russia is a matter of life and death for the country.
In 2022, Kyiv was granted special EU candidate status, but on the condition that Ukraine demonstrably fights corruption. For Ukraine’s Western partners, supporters and investors who invest their money in the country, the existence and independence of the two anti-corruption institutions is a non-negotiable issue. For Ukraine and its war-torn economy, however, outside assistance is critically important.
Just ten days ago, members of parliament approved a bill proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to restrict the rights of NABU and SAPO, but on the 31st of July, they
again repealed it by a landslide of 331 votes to none.
In both cases, parliamentarians appear to have followed Zelensky’s recommendations.
Many Ukrainians believe that the president’s right-hand man, Andriy Yermak, is actually behind the legislative changes he has initiated. His position as head of the presidential administration is not subject to constitutional control and is not subject to any accountability. This raises questions about the place of such a position in Ukrainian democracy.
Defending democracy and Ukraine’s future path towards Europe was the main motivation for the young protesters. For many of them, parents and relatives are on the front lines, physically defending the country’s future. Parliamentarians have made efforts to address the problem, but the aftertaste has lingered, raising questions about Zelensky’s commitment to fighting corruption. His willingness to compromise may have seriously damaged the trust of EU partners.
Read also: Zelensky has decided not to limit anti-corruption institutions