Zelenskyy presents new anti-corruption law
A law weakened the anti-corruption authorities and sparked international criticism. Now President Zelenskyy has relented and, within a few days, presented a second bill aimed at ensuring their independence.
Following sharp criticism from the European Union and ongoing protests by thousands of citizens, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has presented a new bill aimed at restoring the independence of the anti-corruption authorities. In an evening video message, Zelenskyy also announced that all employees with access to state secrets will in future be subjected to regular polygraph tests. "And these checks must be regular," he emphasized.
New draft replaces controversial lawThe new bill has already been submitted to parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. It proposes the introduction of lie detector tests within six months. At the same time, the law is intended to restore the anti-corruption authorities' previous powers.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zelenskyy had signed a controversial law in an expedited procedure that would place the control of the anti-corruption agencies under the General Prosecutor's Office and thus also under the President - a move that sparked protests across the country.
In Kyiv, hundreds of people demonstrated again on Thursday within sight of the presidential residence. It was the third consecutive day of protests against the proposed restrictions on anti-corruption authorities. The demonstrators demanded that the new law be passed quickly and that the independence of the affected institutions be guaranteed.
"It's perfectly normal to react when people don't want something or don't like something," said President Zelensky. "For me, it was very important that we listened and responded appropriately."
After the new draft became known, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) responded via Telegram: "The draft law restores all procedural powers and guarantees the independence of NABU and SAP." Both authorities were involved in its drafting, they added.
A precise date for the vote in the Rada has not yet been set. Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk promised via Facebook that the bill would be put to a vote at the next session. However, the parliament is currently on summer recess, which is expected to last until mid-August.
Criticism from abroadTuesday's last-minute change in the law sparked consternation not only in the country but also within the EU. NABU and SAP were founded in 2015 with international support to combat deep-rooted corruption at high political levels. Despite all the reforms, Ukraine remains one of the most corrupt countries in Europe, according to Transparency International.
Critics accused Zelensky of demonstrating authoritarian tendencies by seeking to bring the previously independent institutions under his control. Commentators now described the rethinking as a political defeat for the president, leaving him weakened domestically.
Zelenskyy also reportedly informed Chancellor Friedrich Merz about the new draft law. "I have invited Germany to participate in the expert review of the draft law. Friedrich has assured me of his willingness to support it," the president explained. Great Britain and the EU are also expected to be involved.
pgr/haz (dpa, afp)
dw
