Thousands of Ukrainians have rallied against President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent legislation that limits the independence of key anti-corruption agencies, igniting fears about a return to past corruption and diminishing prospects for EU integration.
**Ukrainians Protest Over Zelensky's New Anti-Corruption Bill**
**Ukrainians Protest Over Zelensky's New Anti-Corruption Bill**
Growing dissent as President Zelensky curtails anti-corruption efforts, raising fears over accountability in Ukraine.
In a significant political upheaval, President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to sign a law limiting the autonomy of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) has sparked widespread protests across the country. This legislation empowers the prosecutor general, appointed by the president, to exert control over these pivotal institutions, prompting concerns that the fight against corruption will be irrevocably compromised.
Thousands took to the streets of Kyiv for a second consecutive night, rallying against what many see as a detrimental move by the government. Protesters waved placards with slogans like "shame" and "Corruption lives – the future dies," as they gathered in one of the capital's main squares to express their disapproval. These protests unveiled public dissatisfaction and indicated a significant moment in Ukraine’s ongoing struggle with governance and accountability, especially following Russia's continued aggression.
In response to the growing unrest, Zelensky acknowledged the public's anger and promised to introduce a new bill to the parliament—though details remain sparse. Meanwhile, Kyiv’s Western allies have voiced their apprehension regarding the implications of the new law. A spokesperson for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged the Ukrainian government for clarifications, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and anti-corruption measures fundamental to EU candidacy.
Critics of the law assert that it jeopardizes the authority and effectiveness of Nabu and Sap, which have been integral in investigating corruption cases and misappropriations amounting to millions of dollars. Public trust in these institutions is paramount for Ukraine’s aspirations for EU integration, a goal that started gaining traction following the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2014.
The former ministerial officials, including the former defense minister recently targeted by Nabu, are now at risk of evading accountability due to the new oversight measures. "This government lawlessness threatens the integrity we've worked hard to build," said a protester, encapsulating the public's sentiment regarding a perceived move towards authoritarianism.
As this situation unfolds, the protests signify not just discontent with internal governance but also concern for Ukraine's relationship with the EU, which rests upon maintaining a robust anti-corruption framework. European officials have echoed that failing to counteract corruption could derail Ukraine's chance for deeper integration with Europe, warning that the new legislation could critically impact the ongoing efforts to align with EU standards.
Despite martial law restrictions on mass gatherings, further protests are expected nationwide, indicating that the fight for governmental accountability in Ukraine is far from over. As protests continue, many citizens emphasize the urgent need for a government that prioritizes the public's interest over political maneuvering amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.
