Zelensky pushes bill granting anti‑graft agencies full independence

Ukrainian Parliament Restores Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies

After a lively vote, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bill that reverses a controversial change which had placed the National Anti‑Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the direct authority of the prosecutor general.

Key Elements of the New Legislation

• Separation from the Prosecutor General – The agencies will operate independently of the prosecutor general who is appointed by the president.
• Protection Against External Influence – The law guarantees that the agencies will be free from political interference.
• Alignment with European Union Standards – The reform is a clear step towards meeting the EU’s expectations for anti‑corruption capacity.

Reaction from European Allies

European Commission spokesman Guillaume Mercier said the bill “restored key safeguards” but emphasized that Ukraine will need to continue strengthening its anti‑corruption framework to meet the requirements of EU accession.

Public Demonstrations in Kyiv

A crowd of demonstrators gathered ahead of the parliamentary vote, holding signs that read “restore independence” and displaying EU flags. One participant, Anastasiia, stressed the importance of keeping anti‑corruption bodies “out of the pocket of government officials.” She added, “While the military is defending our country from the damned Russians, we here in the rear are communicating with our authorities so that the country they are fighting for is worthy.”

Statements from Ukrainian Leaders

President Zelensky announced his approval on social media, writing: “The law guarantees the absence of any external influence or interference. It is very important that the state listens to public opinion, it hears its citizens. Ukraine is a democracy.”

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko added after the vote: “The result is a clear response to the expectations of society and our European partners.”

Broader Context and Future Outlook

The previous law had placed NABU and SAPO under the direct control of the prosecutor general, raising fears that presidential interference could hamper corruption investigations. The restoration of agency independence marks a decisive move to safeguard Ukraine’s anti‑corruption reforms and to maintain the trust of European partners in Ukraine’s bid to join the EU.