Zelensky defends law limiting anti-graft agencies autonomy
Ukrainian Law Revokes Anti‑Corruption Autonomy, Sparks First Major Kyiv Protest
Background: The Bill, “A Gift to Putin”
The Ukrainian parliament approved a new law on Tuesday that places the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the direct authority of the prosecutor general, a position filled by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky’s Rationale
He justified the measure as a necessary step to eliminate alleged Russian influence from anti‑corruption bodies. The president said:
- “We all share a common enemy: the Russian occupiers.”
- “Defending the Ukrainian state requires a strong enough law‑enforcement system—one that ensures a real sense of justice.”
Opposition and the First Mass Protest
After the law’s passage, a crowd of more than 1,000 demonstrators gathered in front of the Ivan Franko theatre, a location that was briefly designated for a large‑scale protest under martial law. Protesters projected the banner “Veto the Law” and vowed to reconvene on Wednesday at 8:00 pm local time.
Opponents of the legislation view it as a concentration of power in Zelensky’s hands and a pretext for government meddling in high‑profile graft cases.
EU Response: A “Step Back” in Anti‑Corruption Reform
- Ursula von der Leyen demanded explanations from Zelensky and expressed strong concerns about the amendments.
- Marta Kos, an EU Enlargement Commissioner, called the dismantling of safeguards protecting NABU’s independence a “serious step back.”
- European Commission officials stated that the changes threaten Ukraine’s ongoing reforms critical to EU accession.
Law Enforcement Actions: Raids on NABU
Subsequent to the law’s approval, law‑enforcement officials conducted large‑scale raids on NABU premises. One employee was detained on suspicions of espionage for Russia. Transparency International’s Ukraine office condemned the raids as an attempt to undermine the independence of post‑revolutionary anti‑corruption institutions.
The agency has historically exposed extensive graft, including within Zelensky’s own administration.
Political Fallout
- The trial of activist Vitaliy Shabunin on alleged fraud and draft‑dodging surfaced, with allegations that the case may be politically motivated retaliation for investigations into the President’s inner circle.
- Ukrainian civil society criticized the government’s refusal to appoint the head of the Bureau of Economic Security, citing alleged Russian connections.
Public Sentiment and Future Protests
Critics see the legislation as a tool that may weaken anti‑corruption safeguards while strengthening the executive’s ability to interfere in powerful corruption cases. Protesters expressed their dissatisfaction by rallying again in Kyiv, hoping to apply pressure on the authorities to restore the agency’s independence.
Conclusion
The new law’s passage has ignited widespread debate and public unrest, signalling a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s struggle to balance governmental control and democratic anti‑corruption reforms amidst an ongoing war against Russian occupation.
