Zelensky Reverses Anti-Corruption Law Amid Protests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has submitted a new draft law to reinstate the independence of two anti-corruption bodies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap), after nationwide protests and concerns from Western partners. The initial law passed earlier this week had brought the bodies under the control of the prosecutor general, sparking widespread protests and accusations of democratic backsliding. Zelensky claimed the new bill would safeguard the independence of Nabu and Sap and protect them from Russian influence.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has faced widespread protests across the country, the first major demonstrations since Russia's invasion, after he signed a bill into law giving the prosecutor general more power over anti-corruption agencies, sparking fears of a potential backslide into authoritarianism and concerns over Ukraine's bid to join the European Union. The protests, which defied martial law bans on mass gatherings, were sparked by concerns that the new law would undermine the independence of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The EU has voiced concern, with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos calling the vote "a serious step back" and stating that independent bodies are essential for Ukraine's EU path.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a strategic blunder by introducing a new law that jeopardises Ukraine's progress against corruption and erodes Western support, although he has since introduced a bill to reverse the changes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reversed course on a law that targeted the country's independent anti-corruption institutions after facing fierce public opposition and international condemnation. The law, which gave the Prosecutor General sweeping powers over anti-corruption agencies, sparked mass protests in Kyiv and across Ukraine. Zelenskyy announced that he will propose new legislation to restore the independence of these agencies, citing concerns over Russian influence and interference in law enforcement. The move is seen as a response to public opinion and Western allies, who feared the law would jeopardize Ukraine's path to joining the European Union.