Ukraine is in the throes of nationwide protests following President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent decision to sign a law that restricts the independence of critical anti-corruption agencies. The new legislation transfers powers over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Naboo) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) to the prosecutor general, a position under presidential appointment. Critics argue this move undermines the agencies’ effectiveness and further allows corruption to flourish in a nation already grappling with pervasive graft.
Zelensky justified his actions by claiming that Naboo and Sap had failed to expedite essential criminal proceedings and needed to be purged of Russian influence. However, public dissent has quickly risen, with thousands gathering outside the presidential office in Kyiv, voicing their discontent. Smaller protests occurred in cities like Odesa, Dnipro, Lviv, and Sumy, marking a rare instance of anti-government demonstrations since Russia's full-scale invasion commenced in 2022.
Since its inception in 2014, Naboo and Sap have played pivotal roles in combating corruption in Ukraine—an issue that is tightly linked to the country's European Union accession efforts. The agencies were established with the assistance of the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund, aiming to facilitate Ukraine’s integration with the West. Zelensky's recent actions have sparked fears that Ukraine may jeopardize its EU candidate status, which it secured in 2022 amidst the ongoing war with Russia.
The placards at the protests reflect a shared frustration, with messages like "Corruption lives – the future dies" summing up the sentiment among many Ukrainians. Despite the risks posed by ongoing Russian attacks, an outpouring of public disapproval continues as citizens express their concerns over perceived governmental overreach and corruption.
Ukraine ranks poorly on the Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, yet it has shown improvements since the creation of Naboo and Sap nearly a decade ago. Recent investigations spearheaded by these agencies resulted in significant arrests, illustrating their crucial role in tackling corruption. However, with the new legislation placing these bodies under presidential oversight, many fear that influential government figures may evade thorough scrutiny.
Prominent figures, including war veterans and political activists, are joining the protests, citing a commitment to democratic principles and accountability. Internationally, allies like Germany and France have echoed concerns over the implications of this law on Ukraine’s aspirations for EU integration.
Despite engaging with leaders from Naboo and Sap in a meeting post-protests, Zelensky has reiterated the importance of unity against external threats while committing to devise a plan to combat corruption within a fortnight. However, critics assert that the newly enacted law severely undermines the anti-corruption movement in Ukraine, framing it as a step towards authoritarianism.
As more rallies are expected, many Ukrainians find themselves grappling not only with the dangers posed by Russian aggression but also with the actions of their own government in a moment they view as crucial for their nation’s future.
