Ukraine Restores Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies Amid Protests
In a unanimous decision, Ukraine's Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, voted to restore the independence of two key anti-corruption bodies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) on July 31, reversing a controversial law. This decision comes after mass protests across the country and international criticism, including from the European Union (EU).
Background and Context
The previous legislation, which undercut the independence of NABU and SAPO, was heavily criticized and led to the first street protests in Ukraine since Russia's invasion. Rallies were held in eight Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kiev.
The controversial law had given the Prosecutor General, a political appointee, direct oversight over NABU and SAPO, raising concerns over the fight against corruption. Ukraine has been noted as one of the most corrupt countries in the world over the past few years.
Developments and Details
In response to the public outcry and international backlash, President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a draft law to restore the independence of NABU and SAP. Lawmakers voted 331 to 0 in favor of the bill, which aims to reverse the legislation passed last week that effectively destroyed the independence of NABU and SAPO.
The Verkhovna Rada held a live session which was broadcast online on the parliament's YouTube channel. Following the successful vote, President Zelensky promptly promulgated the law restoring the independence of the anti-corruption institutions.
Reactions and Implications
The initial law had triggered a storm of criticism at home and abroad, with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski cautioning Ukraine that halting the fight against corruption would be the worst
step the government could take.
The adoption of the new law was seen as a response to the expectations of society and European partners. According to the Ukrainian Cabinet, the law on ensuring the independence of NABU and SAP and protecting law enforcement agencies from external influences has been corrected. Officials will promptly inform Ukraine’s partners about this law, stated President Zelensky.
Conclusion and Current Status
The Law of Ukraine On the Introduction of Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine to Strengthen the Powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO)
has officially come into force.
President Zelensky stated that the decision to submit a new draft law was driven by the need to preserve national unity during wartime. The reversal of the previous legislation is viewed as a victory for democracy in Ukraine, but the battle against corruption continues.