Facing intense public backlash and pressure from the European Union, Ukraine’s parliament is set to vote on a critical bill to restore the independence of the country’s top anti-corruption agencies. The move follows mass protests over recent amendments that had severely weakened these watchdog institutions — a blow to Ukraine’s credibility at home and abroad.
Key Points:
1. Protests Prompt Legislative U-Turn
- Thousands protested across Kyiv and other cities after parliament weakened anti-graft agencies last week.
- Protesters accused the ruling party of protecting political allies through rushed amendments.
- Chants of “Shame!” and “The people are the power!” echoed outside the presidential administration.
2. Zelenskiy Reverses Course
- Following domestic outrage and warnings from EU officials, President Zelenskiy submitted a new bill to undo the controversial changes.
- The EU had warned that undermining these agencies could derail Ukraine’s EU membership hopes.
3. Critical Vote Scheduled
- The parliament is expected to vote on the new bill Thursday, with activists planning demonstrations to keep up the pressure.
- Protesters are urging lawmakers to pass the corrective bill with the same urgency as the previous amendments.
4. High Stakes for EU Accession
- Strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption are key preconditions for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.
- Public sentiment is strongly in favor: over two-thirds of Ukrainians support the protests, according to Gradus Research.
5. Background: The Anti-Graft Agencies
- The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have led high-profile investigations since Russia’s invasion.
- They’ve filed charges against top officials, including a former deputy PM over a $345,000 bribe.
- Last week’s amendment allowed the general prosecutor—appointed by Zelenskiy—to reassign cases and prosecutors, potentially shielding allies.
6. Agency Leaders Remain Resolute
- NABU chief Semen Kryvonos said efforts to suppress anti-corruption institutions would likely continue.
- He called on the government to share responsibility and actively support the fight:
“There’s corruption here — let’s destroy it.”
Why It Matters
- This episode highlights the delicate balance between wartime governance and democratic accountability in Ukraine.
With EU integration seen as a national priority, restoring trust in anti-corruption bodies is not just a political necessity — it’s a geopolitical imperative.