Zelensky inks law to end independence of anti-graft agencies

(MENAFN) Ukraine’s Parliament has passed a controversial law that effectively ends the independence of the country’s leading anti-corruption institutions, drawing sharp criticism at home and abroad. The Verkhovna Rada voted on Tuesday to place the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under executive control. Opposition lawmakers reportedly shouted “shame” as the bill passed.

Later the same day, President Vladimir Zelensky signed the legislation into law. The vote came just one day after Ukraine’s domestic security agency raided NABU’s headquarters, arresting two investigators — a move that raised alarm among G7 ambassadors, who are closely watching the situation.

Critics argue the legislation is politically motivated. The Anti-Corruption Action Center, an NGO, claimed the timing of the raids and the vote was aimed at neutralizing NABU and SAPO as they began targeting individuals within Zelensky’s inner circle.

Introduced by members of Zelensky’s party, the bill originally focused on updating the criminal code under martial law. However, last-minute amendments redirected the legislation to target anti-graft bodies. MP Anastasia Radina warned that the new law would turn NABU and SAPO into symbolic institutions, entirely controlled by the prosecutor-general.

Both agencies were formed in 2015 as part of Western-backed reforms intended to guarantee judicial independence, a key requirement for Ukraine’s EU membership bid and continued international financial support. They have received extensive assistance from Western nations, including the US, UK, and EU.

European officials voiced strong disapproval. EU Commissioner Marta Kos called the move “a serious step backward” for Ukraine’s rule-of-law progress. European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier emphasized that NABU and SAPO are “essential” to maintaining public confidence and meeting the institutional standards required for EU accession. He also warned that EU aid depends on Ukraine’s commitment to reforms.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko dismissed the criticism, claiming concerns over corruption were being exaggerated. She also indicated that Ukraine would continue seeking further support from the IMF.

Ukraine’s entrenched corruption has become more prominent since the 2022 escalation of the war with Russia, particularly in the defense sector, which has been plagued by procurement scandals.

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