The Ukrainian government is grappling with escalating protests following President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent enactment of legislation that curtails the independence of pivotal anti-corruption entities, specifically the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). The newly signed law, which assigns oversight of these agencies to the prosecutor general appointed by the president, has roused public ire, culminating in substantial demonstrations in Kyiv.
On Wednesday night, thousands gathered in Kyiv for the second consecutive evening to voice their dissent, carrying signs that condemned the recent legislative move. Demonstrators expressed their concerns over what they perceive as a regression to a prior era of rampant corruption, reminiscent of the government led by pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. The protests marked the largest anti-government mobilization seen since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Acknowledging the unrest, President Zelensky indicated plans to introduce a new bill in parliament but disclosed no specifics about its content. Meanwhile, criticism has arisen from Kyiv's Western allies, with European Commission officials demanding clarifications from the Ukrainian administration regarding the implications of the law. For Zelensky, the justification behind the legislation centered on the claim that NABU and SAP were allowing criminal proceedings to stagnate while seeking to eradicate Russian influences from these bodies.
The enactment followed a parliamentary vote where 263 out of 324 MPs supported the bill, igniting backlash from many citizens outside the Rada, or parliament. Numerous protests extended beyond Kyiv to cities like Odesa, Lviv, Dnipro, and Sumy, despite ongoing threats from Russian air assaults. Activists fear that the law undermines the efficacy and authority of the anti-corruption agencies, which have been critical in Ukraine's fight against endemic corruption.
The establishment of NABU and SAP was essential to Ukraine's aspirations for European Union integration, alongside receiving candidate status in 2022, bolstering ties with Europe. Protestors argue that to compromise on these institutions jeopardizes Ukraine's ongoing commitment to reform, exemplified by the view that "Corruption lives – the future dies."
The outcry has been echoed not only by Ukrainian citizens but also by international partners, who stress the need for respect for the rule of law as part of Ukraine's European aspirations. With corruption being a longstanding challenge, highlighted by a relatively low ranking of 105 out of 180 in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, fears arise that curtailing the independence of NABU and SAP could result in diminished accountability for high-ranking officials.
Even amid martial law restrictions on mass gatherings, more protests are poised to unfold across Ukraine as citizens rally against what they view as legislative overreach and an alarming drift towards authoritarianism. Protestors assert that their struggle is not only against the Russian threat but also against systemic corruption domestically, emphasizing their determination to hold the government accountable. The recent developments place Zelensky in a challenging position, as he navigates both domestic unrest and international scrutiny while seeking a path forward amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.
