Zelenskyy Backtracks on Anti‑Corruption Law Following Public Protests
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reversed course on a controversial anti-corruption law following a wave of nationwide protests and international criticism. The legislation, passed by Ukraine’s parliament and signed into law on July 22, 2025, would have significantly weakened the independence of the country’s top anti-graft bodies—the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
The original law placed both institutions under the control of the Prosecutor General’s Office, effectively granting the President the ability to influence or terminate sensitive investigations. This move sparked immediate backlash from Ukrainian civil society, anti-corruption watchdogs, and international partners, including the European Union and the United States.
Tens of thousands of Ukrainians poured into the streets of Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and other major cities, demanding the repeal of the law. Protesters argued that the law not only rolled back key post-2014 reforms but also threatened Ukraine’s progress toward European Union membership. Demonstrators carried signs reading “No to authoritarianism,” “Corruption is treason,” and “Hands off NABU.”
Civil society organizations, including Transparency International Ukraine and the Anti-Corruption Action Center, condemned the bill as a “dangerous power grab” that would reverse years of progress. Diplomats from the European Union issued strong statements warning that such legislation could jeopardize Ukraine’s candidacy status for EU membership and undermine international aid.
In response to the widespread backlash, President Zelenskyy announced a new draft bill on July 24 aimed at restoring the independence of NABU and SAPO. He acknowledged public concerns in a national address, saying, “We hear the voice of the people. We understand that trust in institutions is essential. There will be no return to the past.”
The new bill, developed in consultation with anti-corruption experts and agency leaders, guarantees full autonomy for the two agencies. It revokes the controversial powers granted to the Prosecutor General and introduces new transparency and oversight mechanisms, including annual reviews by an independent commission.
The reversal is seen as a major victory for Ukraine’s civil society and a sign of democratic resilience, even amid wartime pressures. Since the Russian invasion in 2022, many feared that anti-corruption reforms could be sidelined in favor of centralized control. Zelenskyy’s initial support for the law was reportedly driven by concerns over national security and administrative efficiency, but critics argued these justifications were insufficient to override the need for institutional independence.
International observers praised Zelenskyy’s decision to reverse the legislation. EU officials welcomed the move as a positive step toward maintaining Ukraine’s democratic commitments. NABU and SAPO leaders also voiced support for the revised bill and called for swift parliamentary approval to stabilize public trust.
While the situation has calmed for now, activists caution that the episode reveals deeper tensions between reformist and centralized governance models. The Ukrainian public’s response demonstrates an enduring demand for transparency, accountability, and democratic oversight—especially as the country continues its war-time transformation and seeks deeper integration with Western institutions.