On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the introduction of a bill to the Verkhovna Rada aimed at restoring all powers and independence guarantees to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The legislation was published simultaneously on the Telegram channels of NABU and SA, highlighting the agencies’ commitment to transparency and accountability.
Zelenskyy’s initiative underscores the Government’s ongoing efforts to address systemic corruption, which has been a persistent challenge for Ukraine. The bill is expected to grant NABU and SAPO greater authority to investigate high-level officials and pursue legal action against those found to be engaging in corrupt practices. This move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening Ukraine’s anti-corruption mechanisms, which are critical for maintaining public trust in government and fostering economic stability.
The introduction of the bill has been met with widespread support among anti-corruption advocates, who have long criticized the perceived lack of independence for these agencies. However, some political factions argue that the expanded powers could lead to potential abuses or overreach. Despite these concerns, the Ukrainian government maintains that the reform is essential for safeguarding the integrity of its institutions and promoting long-term economic growth and international credibility.