anti-corruption: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy submits a new bill to restore the independence of key anti-corruption agencies.
Zelenskyy Responds to Protests with New Anti-Corruption Bill
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken a decisive step in addressing public and international concerns over the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies. Amidst growing protests and critical responses from European nations, Zelenskyy submitted a new bill to parliament on Thursday aimed at restoring the agencies’ autonomy. This move reflects the government’s recognition of the public discontent caused by a recently enacted law that placed these agencies under control of a prosecutor general appointed by the president.
The law passed earlier in the week sparked nationwide protests, signaling the most significant civil unrest since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many expressed concerns over the legislation undermining institutional credibility and potentially opening loopholes in Ukraine’s anti-corruption framework. Key stakeholders, ranging from civil society groups to foreign allies, voiced their unease.
Details of the New Bill
Zelenskyy’s newly submitted bill seeks to reverse the controversial provisions of the earlier law. By guaranteeing the operational independence of Ukraine’s national anti-corruption bureau, the bill ensures that investigative processes remain impartial and free of undue political influence. Simultaneously, the bill places limits on the prosecutor general’s powers, directly addressing a key criticism from civil society and international observers.
The two affected anti-corruption agencies have publicly supported the proposed legislation, with a joint statement noting that the bill
