**Ukraine’s President Seeks to Restore Independence of Anti-Corruption Agencies**
In a move aimed at reversing a controversial decision, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken with the prime ministers of Canada and Denmark about a new bill that would restore the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies.
The development comes after a law was passed on July 22 that effectively stripped the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) of their autonomy. Critics, including civil society groups and Western partners, have argued that this move undermines the agencies’ ability to investigate corruption and jeopardizes Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union.
The law sparked widespread protests in Ukraine, with thousands taking to the streets to demand the reversal of the decision. President Zelensky was forced to back down, and a new bill has been drafted to restore the independence of NABU and SAPO. The Canadian and Danish prime ministers, Mark Carney and Mette Frederiksen respectively, have expressed support for this new bill.
**International Support**
In his conversations with Mr. Carney and Ms. Frederiksen, President Zelensky was assured that they would back the new legislation, which is expected to be put to a vote in parliament on July 31. “I’m grateful to Denmark for its support,” he said. “We agreed that the parliament must vote on this bill without delay – already this week.”
The Ukrainian leader also thanked Mr. Carney for Canada’s continued military and financial assistance, highlighting their shared commitment to securing the country’s defense needs.
**Key Provisions**
The new bill includes provisions designed to protect NABU and SAPO from Russian influence. Employees of these agencies will be subject to mandatory polygraph testing every two years, aimed at ensuring they remain free from external pressure.
President Zelensky has acknowledged that the initial decision was made without proper public consultation, which contributed to the controversy surrounding it. “Probably, there should have been a dialogue,” he said. “Communication is always necessary.”
**A Step Forward for Ukraine**
The passage of this new bill could be seen as a step forward for Ukraine’s commitment to fighting corruption and joining the European Union. President Zelensky has emphasized that Ukraine must make the most of its presidency in the EU Council, which is currently led by Denmark.
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