Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has introduced a new bill aimed at restoring the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). This legislative move follows significant public protests and international criticism over a recent law that increased government oversight of these agencies, raising concerns about potential political interference in their operations.
The initial legislation, passed by Ukraine's parliament, granted the prosecutor general greater authority over NABU and SAPO, leading to widespread protests in Kyiv and other cities. Demonstrators expressed fears that the law could undermine the effectiveness of these institutions in combating corruption. In response to the public outcry, President Zelenskyy convened meetings with the heads of Ukraine's key anti-corruption and security agencies to address the concerns raised by citizens and international partners.
In an effort to address these concerns, Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a new draft bill that aims to strengthen the rule of law in Ukraine while safeguarding the independence of anti-corruption bodies. The proposed legislation includes measures to protect these agencies from external influence, particularly from Russian interference, and to ensure their autonomy in conducting investigations and prosecutions. The bill is expected to be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) for consideration in the near future.
International bodies, including the European Union and Transparency International, have expressed concern over the potential impact of the initial law on Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts and its implications for the country's aspirations to join the EU. They have emphasized the importance of maintaining the independence of anti-corruption institutions as a fundamental aspect of democratic governance and the rule of law.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between governance reforms and public trust, highlighting the need for transparent and effective institutions in the ongoing fight against corruption in Ukraine.