Many European leaders welcomed the news that Ukrainian President Volodimia Zelensky has signed a law to restore independence to their country’s major anti-corruption institutions.
Of the 340 lawmakers, 331 voted in favour of the bill on Thursday, forming an overwhelming constitutional majority.
Major anti-government protests broke out across Ukraine last week after the Parliament approved a bill that brought two major institutions.
The massive demonstrations were Ukraine’s first major anti-government protest since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
When approving the bill last week, Zelensky called the necessary steps to remove “Russian influence” from the two institutions. Two employees of one of the bodies were arrested last week “on suspicion of working for special Russian service.”
However, on Thursday, the president in a statement posted to X, said he would listen to the people of Ukrainians and that the “right decision” would be to reverse the controversial bill.
The law he signed on Thursday is “guaranteeing the proper independent functioning of Ukrainian anti-corruption groups and all law enforcement agencies,” Zelensky said, adding that the new law “sures Russia with all law enforcement officials with secret or relatives of the state.”
“This is the right decision. It’s very important for the nation to listen to public opinion. That’s what it means to hear its citizens. Ukraine is a democracy – without a doubt,” he said.
Ukraine has long been considered one of Europe’s most corrupt countries. The European Union warned Kiev that strong anti-transplant measures must be implemented if they wish to join the bloc.
Both European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa said in the same X post that the new law signed Thursday was a “welcome step.”
“Ukrainian rule of law and anti-corruption reforms need to continue. They will remain integral to Ukraine’s progress in European paths. The EU will continue to support these efforts,” they said.
Kaja Kallas, representative of EU diplomatic and security policy, wrote on social media that “Ukraine’s move to restore the power of anti-corruption groups demonstrates its determination to quickly return to the course when European democratic values are at risk.”
“The rule of law and the fight against corruption is extremely important for countries seeking to participate in the EU,” she said.
Diplomats from EU countries such as the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden also welcomed the move.
