Ukraine - Zelensky rectifies after protests over anti-corruption law that weakened independent agencies

The Ukrainian president acknowledges lack of dialogue after signing a controversial law that sparked international protests and criticism. A new draft has already been submitted to reverse the changes.

Protests over controversial law

Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky acknowledged on July 24 that "there should have been a dialogue" between Parliament and society before approving the controversial law that reduces the independence of the country's main anti-corruption bodies. The statements come after days of protests and diplomatic pressure.

The law, signed by Zelensky on July 22, significantly expands the prosecutor general's power over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), allowing him to issue binding instructions, reassign cases, and delegate key functions. International organizations and allies warned that the rule undermines the fight against corruption and puts Ukraine's EU accession process at risk.

Zelensky promises solution and presents new project

In the face of social and political pressure, the President announced that a new bill has already been submitted to restore the principles of agency independence, dismantled by the previous law.

"It is very important for society to speak. I respect their opinion," Zelensky stated. "People asked for changes, and we responded," he added, emphasizing that his focus remains on the war, but that the fight against corruption cannot be neglected.

The Anti-Corruption Action Center (AntAC), a key watchdog organization in Ukraine, endorsed the new draft, stating that it seeks to restore institutional guarantees removed by the Parliament.

International criticism and call for transparency

Several international leaders spoke with Zelensky after the initial approval of the law, urging him to reconsider it. The Ukrainian president assured that he offered assurances to his European partners, pledging to find a solution that respects European standards and the wishes of Ukrainian society.

Zelensky argued that the new draft includes concrete measures to shield agencies against possible Russian influence, such as requiring staff to undergo polygraph tests every two years.

Until the new text is approved by Parliament and signed by the President, the July 22 law remains in force.

For three consecutive days (July 22-24), thousands of citizens took to the streets in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro and Odessa to demand immediate reform of legislation and to defend the independence of anti-corruption institutions.

Source: https://kyivindependent.com/there-should-have-been-a-dialogue-zelensky-on-law-stripping-anti-corruption-bodies-of-independence/