Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a controversial law that reduces the independence of the country’s main anti-corruption agencies. The decision came after Ukraine’s Parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed the bill on Tuesday, sparking public protests and criticism from both domestic and international officials.
Key Agencies Stripped of Autonomy
The legislation affects two important institutions: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. The new law gives more power to the Prosecutor General, allowing the government to decide which corruption cases will move forward and which may be ignored.
Critics Warn of Rising Authoritarianism
Zelenskyy’s move has triggered concern among his critics, who argue that Ukraine is drifting towards authoritarianism. They claim that under the cover of war, the government is turning a blind eye to corruption and failing to address misconduct within the system.
Protests Erupt in Kyiv
The law has sparked the largest protests in Kyiv since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Around 1,500 demonstrators gathered outside Zelenskyy’s presidential office. They shouted slogans such as “Shame” and “Veto the law!” while holding placards condemning the bill.
One protester told The Guardian, “We don’t want to be like Russia. Zelenskyy is still our president. But when he does the wrong things we will say so.”
EU and Anti-Corruption Chiefs Express Alarm
The heads of both NABU and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have openly criticised the bill. A top European Union official also raised concerns, warning that the law could harm Ukraine’s international reputation and affect its EU membership prospects.
