Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a significant change after massive protests erupted across the country concerning a law that compromised the independence of vital anti-corruption institutions. Just days after these protests, Zelensky submitted a new draft law intended to uphold the autonomy of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap).
The earlier legislation brought these bodies under the control of the prosecutor general, whom the president appoints. Initially, Zelensky argued that limiting their powers was necessary due to concerns about Russian influence, particularly following recent security operations targeting alleged spies.
However, the backlash was immediate and intense, with thousands of Ukrainians taking to the streets, demanding the repeal of the new law. Critics argued that this move signaled a dangerous trend towards democratic decline in Ukraine. Growing discontent was echoed by Ukraine's Western allies, emphasizing that upholding the rule of law and combating corruption are essential for the country's EU aspirations.
In his recent communications, Zelensky stated that the new bill would "restore all procedural powers and guarantees of independence" for Nabu and Sap. Opposition figures have questioned the necessity of the previous law, suggesting that the president's approach to governance might need reevaluation. Though Zelensky did not explicitly address the protests in his statements, his words conveyed a need to respect public feedback and expressed gratitude toward citizens standing for Ukraine.
