**Ukraine’s Government Faces Backlash Over Anti-Corruption Law**
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law that limits the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies. The contentious bill grants control of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) and Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap) to the prosecutor general, who is appointed by the president.
**Thousands Take to the Streets in Protest**
The reaction from citizens has been swift and vocal, with thousands gathering in Kyiv for a second night of protests on Wednesday. Demonstrators brandished signs criticizing the government, including placards that read “shame”, “12414 [the new law] sounds like 1984”, and “Parliament is full of parasites”. Young army veterans were also present at the rallies.
**Concerns Over EU Integration**
The move has raised concerns among Ukraine’s Western allies about the country’s commitment to fighting corruption. The European Commission chief, Ursula von der Leyen, requested explanations from the Ukrainian government over the law. Zelensky argued that Nabu and Sap were letting criminal proceedings stagnate for years and needed to be “cleansed from Russian influence”.
**Critics Warn of a Return to Corruption**
Many Ukrainians outside parliament disagree with the decision, fearing it will undermine the effectiveness of Nabu and Sap in tackling corruption. Critics see the move as a return to the corruption of a decade ago when Ukraine was ruled by pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
**Corruption in Ukraine: A Persistent Problem**
Ukraine has long struggled with endemic corruption, ranking 105 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Despite improvements since the creation of Nabu and Sap in 2014, many still fear that high-profile figures close to the government will be less likely to face scrutiny under presidential oversight.
**A Blow to Ukraine’s European Integration**
The move has been widely criticized as a blow to Ukraine’s efforts to integrate with the EU. Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, said the legislation “hampered Ukraine’s way towards the EU”, while France’s European affairs minister, Benjamin Haddad, urged Kyiv to reverse its decision.
**Protests Expected to Continue**
Despite a nationwide ban on mass gatherings under martial law, more protests are expected in an even greater number of cities across Ukraine on Wednesday evening. Prominent war veteran Masi Nayem told his Facebook followers that he had joined the protests as a “duty” to the victims of Russia’s war.
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