Ukraine has voted to restore the powers of two key anticorruption agencies, reversing a recent move by President Volodymyr Zelensky. This decision follows the country’s first significant street protests since Russia’s invasion, highlighting public concern over transparency.
The Ukrainian parliament reinstated full authority to the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP) and the National Anticorruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), measures that had been significantly curtailed last week. The original decree, issued by President Zelensky, had been widely criticized by civil society organizations and international partners for weakening the fight against graft. These agencies have been crucial in Ukraine’s efforts to meet anticorruption benchmarks required for European Union accession and for maintaining international financial support. The swift reversal demonstrates the significant pressure exerted by both domestic and international stakeholders.
“The restoration of these agencies’ powers is a vital signal of Ukraine’s commitment to good governance and rule of law, especially during this critical period of war and reconstruction.”
This episode underscores the delicate balance Ukraine must maintain between wartime necessity and ongoing reform commitments. The initial reduction in the watchdogs’ powers had raised concerns among Ukraine’s Western allies, who view robust anticorruption measures as essential for democratic resilience and for ensuring the effective use of aid. The street protests, though relatively small, represented a potent display of public demand for accountability and a clear message that wartime efforts do not supersede the imperative for institutional integrity. The situation will likely be closely monitored by international financial institutions and organizations evaluating Ukraine’s reform progress.
The reinstatement of the anticorruption agencies’ powers marks a significant victory for transparency advocates and reinforces Ukraine’s ongoing commitment to its reform agenda. Future actions will be crucial in solidifying trust and ensuring the continued effectiveness of these vital institutions.
