Zelenskyy reveals Ukrainian protests forced U-turn on anti-corruption bill

KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he reversed a controversial bill that would have kneecapped anti-corruption watchdogs because of nationwide protests and the risk of upsetting Europe.

“It’s very important that society speaks. I respect the opinion of society. I believe it is absolutely normal to react when people don’t want something or when they dislike something.” Zelenskyy said. “People have the right to say what they think. People said — everything must be according to the law. For me, it was very important that we listened and responded adequately. People asked for changes. We responded.

We want to be part of Europe. No one is willing to take any risks. I have reassured all our partners. For example, we were discussing Ramstein and many other issues. As for NABU and SAP, I told [partners] that I will find a solution,” Zelenskyy told journalists at a briefing in Kyiv.

Both the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of Ukraine (SAP) said they welcome Zelenskyy’s brand new bill submitted Thursday, which would return independence to their offices.

“A bill has been prepared based on the core principles of the independence of anti-corruption agencies. This bill includes new provisions aimed at protecting against influence by the Russian Federation — primarily in response to cases involving certain representatives of NABU,” Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy said that — although the new bill restores independence to SAP from the politically appointed general prosecutor — it introduces polygraph testing for all employees of anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies, including the National Police and the State Bureau of Investigations, who have relatives originating from or residing in Russia. NABU said the testing already exists.

The president also said he acted swiftly to calm protests that, according to Ukrainian spy agencies, risk being used by Russia to undermine Ukraine from within.

“Because the main challenge is the war. And the most important thing in this war is the unity of our state. It is critical not to lose the unity. To listen to people, to have dialogue, and so on,” Zelenskyy said.

“Anti-corruption agencies must be truly independent. At the same time, they must respond to society’s demand for justice. They must act effectively and oversee what is happening within their structures,” Zelenskyy added.

Now, the same Ukrainian lawmakers, who earlier this week voted to scuttle NABU and SAP’s independence, will have to gather for an emergency meeting and vote for Zelenskyy’s fresh bill.

Protesters, who filled the streets of Ukrainian cities this week, say they won’t back down until the MPs fix their mistake.

And some lawmakers have already admitted making an error.

“Yes, I voted for this law. It was a difficult decision, made under tight deadlines and limited information. At the same time, and this was voiced and recognized by many, the effectiveness of the system in recent years has raised many questions,” Tamila Tasheva, oppositional Holos political party lawmaker, said in a statement.

“It is now clear that not the entire process was properly coordinated. The draft law, in the version that was put to the vote, caused concern not only among society but also among international partners. And this is a signal that cannot be ignored,” Tasheva added.

Lawmakers say they will gather for voting next Thursday, July 31.