Amendments to the NABU and SAP Laws: Political Context and Public Reaction
Recent discussions surrounding Law No. 12414, which concerns reforms of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), have been marked by prominent statements from senior government officials. Head of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Maliuk and Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko emphasized that the adoption of the law would not compromise the independence of anti-corruption bodies but instead represents a return to constitutional principles. They highlighted that NABU and SAP remain autonomous institutions, free from political influence and subordination to other government bodies. Kravchenko pointed out that the final decision on legislative changes is within the competence of the Verkhovna Rada, and his department will continue to operate according to approved norms, ensuring that independence is preserved. He stressed that NABU is not subordinate to the Office of the Prosecutor General and maintains close cooperation with other law enforcement agencies to combat corruption. Meanwhile, Vasyl Maliuk described the adopted law as a 'return to the Constitution,' emphasizing that no structures have been abolished or merged. He noted that the idea seems aimed at strengthening the system of checks and balances within the country, where only one Prosecutor General exists, which is not about duplication, but about enhancing oversight. Maliuk underscored that cooperation between the Security Service, NABU, and the Office of the Prosecutor General remains vital in increasing the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts. Following the law's approval, a protest rally took place in Kyiv near the Taras Shevchenko Park, close to the presidential office located on Bankova Street. The demonstration gathered activists and civic figures demanding the repeal of the legislative amendments. Similar protests erupted in Lviv, Odesa, and Dnipro. The situation suggests that this move by authorities has provoked widespread public and political reactions, with some analysts viewing it as an attempt to tighten control over anti-corruption agencies and weaken their independence, raising concerns about possible abuses and a drift towards authoritarianism. More details are available in journalist Inna Vedernikova’s article «Raids on NABU and SAP: President Zelensky is one step away from authoritarianism».