Ukraine reclaims autonomous function of anti-bribery institutions
Ukraine Restores Independence to Key Anti-Corruption Bodies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a law restoring the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), a move that re-establishes the independence of key anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted bill No. 13533 on July 31, with 331 out of 450 deputies in support. The bill pertains to the powers of NABU and SAP and guarantees normal, independent work of anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy made the statement on Thursday, July 31, thanking all parliamentarians for adopting his bill, now a law. He added that officials will "urgently" inform Ukraine's partners about this law.
The significance of this action lies in re-establishing the independence of key anti-corruption bodies, crucial for maintaining transparency and the rule of law in Ukraine. This law reverses a previous decision that placed these agencies under the politically appointed prosecutor general, which many feared would undermine their effectiveness and enable corruption.
This action also demonstrates a direct response to public opinion, especially following widespread domestic protests triggered by the initial legislation perceived as weakening anti-corruption efforts. Despite ongoing Russian attacks, large demonstrations showed strong public demand, particularly among younger Ukrainians, for independent anti-corruption institutions.
Moreover, Zelenskyy framed the independence of these agencies as a safeguard against corruption influenced by Russian interference, presenting the law as a measure to protect Ukraine’s integrity during a time of conflict.
In summary, Zelenskyy’s signing of this law is significant both as a restoration of institutional independence critical to tackling corruption and as a political response to robust public pressure reinforcing democratic accountability in Ukraine.
[1] nv.ua, Ukrainian President Signs Law Restoring Powers of Anti-Corruption Bodies, July 31, 2022. [2] Kyiv Post, Zelenskyy signs law restoring NABU, SAP powers, July 31, 2022.
The signing of the law by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy marks a critical advancement in policy-and-legislation, as it strengthens the independence of key anti-corruption bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). This move, bolstered by broader politics, ensures a crucial step towards maintaining transparency and upholding the rule of law in Ukraine, amid ongoing general-news developments including domestic protests and Russian attacks.
