Ukraine's Zelensky Approves Bill Restoring Anti-Corruption Agency Independence After Protests

Reversal on Anti-Corruption Reforms

• 🇺🇦 President Volodymyr Zelensky has approved draft legislation to reinstate the independence of Ukraine's two key anti-corruption agencies.
• ⚡ This decision follows nationwide protests and concerns from the EU regarding recent reforms that threatened the agencies' autonomy.

Initial Bill and Public Reaction

• ⚖️ The initial bill, adopted on Tuesday, would have placed the agencies under the direct control of the prosecutor general, an appointee of the president.
• ⚠️ Zelensky claimed the intention was to combat Russian infiltration, but critics viewed the bill as a sharp democratic backslide and a concentration of power.
• 🗣️ Public outrage spilled into the streets for three consecutive days, with many vowing to continue protesting until the new draft legislation is passed.

EU Concerns and Future Outlook

• 🇪🇺 The EU welcomed Zelensky's pledge to reinstate independence, having previously criticized the initial bill as a step backward, especially for Ukraine's accession process.
• 🔍 Observers will monitor the situation to ensure the new draft legislation is effectively implemented and the agencies' independence is fully restored.