Ukrainian Parliament Hows the Anti‑Corruption Shield: Why Citizens are Firing Their Fizzles
Yesterday, the Ukrainian Parliament handed a new law to President Volodymyr Zelensky, turning the independent anti‑corruption agencies into employees of the executive branch. The move sparked protests in Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro – the first big street outcry since the full‑scale invasion.
What the Law Does
- National Anti‑Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) are now under the President’s direct control.
- The Prosecutor General, now a hand‑picked appointee of the President, can change jurisdictional boundaries and override investigative decisions.
- High‑ranking officials will find it nearly impossible to be investigated, creating a concentration of power that messes with democratic checks.
Why It Matters
By stripping these agencies of their autonomy, Ukraine risks:
- Undermining rule of law and eroding trust in government.
- Stalling EU accession, jeopardizing 300 billion Euro investments aimed at phasing out Russian gas.
- Compromising green reconstruction and the shift to renewable energy.
The Voices Behind the Protest
Dr. Svitlana Romanko, founder of Razom We Stand, said: “This is a clear threat to the rule of law, demolishing the independence of anti‑corruption prosecutors and undermining citizens’ hope of building a democratic, European Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, on the streets:
- “Zelenskyy is a demon!” — chants echoing in Kyiv.
- “If Vladimir Putin wants to sabotage Ukraine’s independence without firing a shot, this is the path.” — a remark that caught Twitter’s attention.
What Ukrainians Are Saying
Protesters demand an immediate repeal of Law No. 12414 and a return to independent anti‑corruption oversight. Anything less risked undermining the democratic future, European aspirations, and the trust of citizens and international partners.
Bottom line: If we want to keep fighting corruption, we must keep those watchdogs truly independent. The time for another “iron curtain” has already passed – face it, Ukraine!
