Ukraine’s parliament has passed a controversial law that undermines the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NAB, and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. The legislation, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky’s lawmakers, has drawn widespread condemnation from opposition parties and international observers. Critics argue that this move represents a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism, echoing Russia’s tactics of consolidating power and weakening independent institutions. The law, which reduces the authority of these anti-corruption bodies by limiting their ability to investigate high-ranking officials, has been widely criticized as a move to protect Zelensky’s allies from scrutiny.
International observers have expressed alarm at the development, with some warning that this could set a dangerous precedent for other countries facing similar challenges. The move has also sparked outrage among Ukrainian civil society groups, who see it as a betrayal of the country’s democratic principles. In a recent statement, a prominent Ukrainian opposition leader called the law ‘a clear attempt to silence dissent and consolidate power in the hands of the president.’
Analysts warn that this development could have serious implications for Ukraine’s fight against corruption. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau has been a key player in investigating high-profile corruption cases, including those involving former officials and business elites. By undermining its independence, the government risks allowing corrupt practices to continue unchecked. This could erode public trust in the government and undermine Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union, which requires robust anti-corruption measures.