Servant of the People Party Denies Reports of Mass Walkout Against NABU and SAPO
The parliamentary faction of Servant of the People has officially responded to rumors and media speculations concerning a potential mass refusal by deputies to support the presidential bill aimed at restoring the independence of Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).
Julia Paliichuk, spokesperson for the party, refuted reports circulated in the media claiming that nearly 70 deputies intend not to support the initiative.
According to the Financial Times, some parliamentarians fear repercussions such as investigations by anti-corruption bodies after the law’s adoption.
The article cites a statement from NABU head Oleksandr Klymenko, who emphasized that his agency would thoroughly analyze restrictions on NABU and SAPO powers.
He noted that fears among those with legal issues are driven by the potential for targeted investigations.
Sources within the Servant of the People faction indicate that some deputies have genuine concerns, but these are rooted not in fear of anti-corruption agencies, but rather in the belief that previous laws effectively subordinated these agencies to the General Prosecutor's Office.
Other sources confirm that fears among some deputies are connected to potential investigations and political repercussions.
Interestingly, the figure of 70 deputies supposedly opposed to the bill caused surprise among colleagues in faction chats.
Recall that on July 22, the Verkhovna Rada passed bill No.12414, which effectively limited the independence of anti-corruption agencies, and the same day, the President signed it into law.
This marked one of the most profound political crises in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion, resulting in protests and sharp criticism from Western partners.
Legal experts highlight that the new law opens loopholes for top corrupt officials, allowing possible manipulation by the Prosecutor General.
Analysts suggest that the current political situation is being exploited by the presidential administration to tighten control over anti-corruption bodies, raising concerns about the potential erosion of independent justice institutions.
An in-depth analysis titled «Raiding NABU and SAPO: Is Zelensky’s regime on the brink of authoritarianism?» explores how the government and Parliament are implementing a scenario long in the making, with insights from Inna Vedernikova.