The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, has signed a bill that limits the independence of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and sent it to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for signature. The legislation, which is yet to be finalized, aims to redefine the role and jurisdiction of these anti-corruption agencies, raising questions about their effectiveness in combating corruption.
Supporters of the bill argue that the current structure of NABU and SAPO has led to inefficiencies and political interference, and that the reforms are necessary to ensure their independence from the executive branch. Critics, however, warn that the proposed changes could undermine the agencies’ ability to operate without undue influence, potentially weakening Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts.
The bill is expected to face scrutiny in the upcoming parliamentary sessions, with the final decision resting on President Zelenskyy. The outcome of this legislation could significantly impact Ukraine’s fight against corruption and its efforts to align with international anti-corruption standards.