Parliament in Ukraine decides to reinstate anticorruption agencies
In a significant turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reversed his contentious move that had curtailed the power of Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs. This decision comes following massive protests across the country, widespread backlash from Ukraine’s allies, and concerns that the move jeopardized Ukraine’s fight against entrenched corruption.
The controversial legislation, signed by Zelenskiy on July 22, 2025, placed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the oversight of the Ukrainian prosecutor-general, effectively dismantling their independence. The decision was met with immediate and intense public protests and condemnation from international partners, EU officials, and human rights groups, who feared government interference could shield corrupt officials.
Recognizing the severe negative response and the importance of preserving independent anti-corruption institutions to meet EU standards and ensure continued Western support, Zelenskiy proposed a new law restoring the independence of these bodies just two days after the initial backlash. The new bill, presented by Zelenskiy himself, was approved by the Ukrainian Parliament with an overwhelming majority of 331 votes and nine abstentions on Thursday, according to official figures. The bill was signed into law by Zelenskiy less than two hours after its approval.
The reversal aims to guarantee "normal, independent work for anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies" in Ukraine, as stated by Zelenskiy. This move is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars of Western aid. The anti-graft changes backed by Zelenskiy last week had tarnished his image abroad and put a question mark over his country’s efforts to meet standards set by the EU for membership.
The start of the parliamentary session that approved the new law was the first to be broadcast in real time since the start of the war. However, during the session, a scuffle between two lawmakers occurred, but the reason for the altercation remains unknown.
Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha has stated that Ukraine is committed to reforms and the fight against corruption. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, praised Ukraine's move to restore powers of anti-corruption bodies, stating it demonstrates Ukraine's resolve to quickly get back on course when European democratic values are at stake. The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International, however, criticized last week's legislation, stating it weakened one of the most significant reforms since Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity in 2014.
President Zelenskiy's goal was to speed up prolonged investigations, ensure more convictions, and remove Russian meddling in investigations. The controversy threatened to undermine public trust in Ukrainian leaders at a critical time. The reversal of the contentious move is a testament to the power of public protest and international pressure in maintaining the integrity of anti-corruption institutions in Ukraine.
- The reversal of President Zelenskiy's controversial policy-and-legislation, which had placed the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) under the Ukrainian prosecutor-general, following intense public protests and international condemnation, is a demonstration of the impact of politics on general-news events.
- The Tuesday approvals in Ukrainian Parliament, which include a new law restoring the independence of the anti-corruption bodies and a bill on digital transformation, reflect President Zelenskiy's continued focus on addressing corruption and modernizing Ukraine's governance systems, amidst a complex political landscape.
