Ukrainian lawmakers approve reinstatement of anti-corruption bodies
In a move to address widespread accusations of authoritarianism and uphold democratic standards, Ukraine's Parliament has restored the independence of its anti-corruption watchdogs. This decision reverses a previous move that had placed these agencies under tighter control by a prosecutor aligned with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The two key bodies involved are the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, which were established after Ukraine's 2014 pro-democracy revolution to combat corruption linked to the previous Kremlin-aligned regime. The EU, which has provided substantial financial support to Ukraine—over $178 billion since early 2022—views these anti-corruption agencies as essential to the institutional reforms required for Ukraine’s prospective membership in the European Union.
The restoration of their independence aligns Ukraine with EU expectations on democracy and rule of law, which are critical criteria for accession. It also underscores Ukraine's commitment to democratic principles during a period of conflict, signals responsiveness to civil society, and strengthens its position in ongoing negotiations and aspirations for EU membership by demonstrating adherence to reforms mandated by the bloc.
The bill restoring the watchdogs' independence was presented by President Zelenskiy and was approved by the Parliament with 331 votes and nine abstentions on Thursday. The bill was signed into law by Zelenskiy less than two hours after its approval.
However, the move raised fears that the government could meddle in investigations and potentially shield its supporters from scrutiny. A scuffle between lawmakers during a parliamentary session, the first to be broadcast in real time since the start of the war, added to these concerns. The reason for the scuffle was not known.
Despite these concerns, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine is committed to reforms and the fight against corruption. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also stated that the new law guarantees normal, independent work for anti-corruption bodies and all law enforcement agencies in Ukraine.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, wrote on social media that Ukraine's move to restore powers of anti-corruption bodies demonstrates its resolve to quickly get back on course when European democratic values are at stake. Andrii Sybiha also stated that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy demonstrated a principled approach in presenting the new bill to the Parliament.
Street protests occurred across Ukraine, marking the first major demonstrations since Russia's full-scale invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022. The anti-graft changes that Zelenskiy backed last week tarnished his image abroad and put a question mark over his country's efforts to meet standards set by the EU for membership. The Ukrainian branch of Transparency International criticized last week's legislation, stating it weakened one of the most significant reforms since Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity in 2014. The controversy threatened to undermine public trust in their leaders at a critical time.
Fighting entrenched corruption is crucial for Ukraine's aspirations to join the EU and maintain access to billions of dollars of Western aid. The protesters did not call for the president's removal, but the controversy threatened to undermine public trust in their leaders at a critical time. The previous move by Zelenskiy prompted rebukes from Ukrainians, the EU, and international rights groups.
[1] Source: Reuters, AP News, and BBC News.
- The restored independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs, such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, is a significant step towards aligning with EU expectations on democracy and rule of law, which are critical criteria for Ukraine's prospective membership in the European Union.
- The bill restoring the powers of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies was presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and, despite concerns about potential government meddling, was a demonstration of Ukraine's commitment to reforms and the fight against corruption, as stated by Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha.
