Ukrainian Protests Erupt Following Zelensky's Controversial Anti-Corruption Law

President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent law limiting the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption bodies has led to widespread protests. Critics fear it will weaken the fight against corruption, jeopardizing Ukraine's relations with the EU and increasing authoritarian tendencies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing mounting backlash after signing a law that restricts the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies, namely the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap). This law, which passed with overwhelming parliamentary support, allows the prosecutor general—an appointee of the president—to have control over these agencies, re igniting concerns about the government’s commitment to combatting corruption.

Zelensky justified this decision by claiming that both agencies had allowed criminal investigations to stagnate and had been compromised by Russian influence, hence the need for a "cleansing" process. However, this has not resonated well with many citizens. On Tuesday night, large crowds gathered outside the president's office in Kyiv, alongside protests in cities such as Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro. These were the first significant anti-government demonstrations since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The anti-corruption fight remains critical for Ukraine, particularly regarding its aspirations for European Union integration. The establishment of Nabu and Sap was a move endorsed by the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund, underscoring a commitment to transparency and accountability requested in exchange for potential EU benefits. Since their formation, these agencies have overseen numerous investigations, leading to arrests including that of the head of Ukraine’s Supreme Court for bribery.

Yet, critics contend that placing Nabu and Sap under presidential oversight threatens to diminish their power and thwart ongoing corruption investigations that involve high-profile officials close to the government. Many Ukrainians expressed their discontent through signs at protests, highlighting a perceived betrayal of democratic values, with messages like "Corruption lives – the future dies."

Despite martial law prohibiting mass gatherings, additional protests were anticipated across the nation. The legislation, described as "scandalous" by various media outlets, has raised alarms about Ukraine's trajectory toward democratic governance and its standing in the international community. European leaders echoed these concerns, suggesting that such moves may hinder Ukraine's ambitions of joining the EU, with renewed calls for Zelensky to revisit this controversial legislation.

In response to the protests, Zelensky acknowledged public sentiment and pledged to develop a plan to address corruption within a fortnight, whilst emphasizing the necessity for unity in the face of external threats. However, the two agencies have formally contested the changes, stating that their capacity to effectively tackle corruption has been severely compromised. Current talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul have drawn attention, but for many Ukrainians, the immediate issue remains the future of their own government.