Ukraine plans to overhaul anti-graft law, minister says ahead of key vote
Ukraine readies amended anti‑corruption law for parliamentary vote
Background: a contentious change sparked mass demonstrations
The original legislation placed the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) directly under the prosecutor general, who is appointed by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Critics warned that the move could open the door to presidential interference in corruption investigations.
New version: restored independence, added accountability measures
- NABU and SAPO regain operational autonomy
- Regular lie‑detector tests for officials that handle anti‑corruption cases
- Committee‑approved bill ready for vote next Thursday
Public protest: citizens call for protection of independent institutions
Hundreds gathered in central Kyiv on the eve of the parliamentary vote, demanding “Hands off NABU and SAPO.” Protesters highlighted the damaged public trust and urged lawmakers to commit to genuine anti‑corruption reforms.
On the floor: lawmakers weigh the new bill
- Thirty‑one MPs have been named in NABU’s investigations to date
- Some members of parliament could be reluctant to support the amendments if their names appear on a potential probe list
- European allies, who expressed concerns about the original law, supported the revised amendments, citing their importance for Ukraine’s EU and NATO integration ambitions
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga’s remarks
“We anticipate the vote tomorrow. The relevant parliamentary committee has already approved the bill. We are getting this fixed,” he told AFP. Sybiga emphasized that Ukraine’s democracy was demonstrated by the authors’ listening to civil society and international partners. He reiterated Kyiv’s commitment to anti‑corruption and the pursuit of EU and NATO membership as a “national interest” with no alternative path.
