Restoration of the Independence of Anti-corruption Agencies: Stefanchuk Signed the Law Live During Parliament Session
On July 31, Ukrainian political life experienced a significant shift as the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, authorized the restoration of the powers of its key anti-corruption bodies—NAБУ and SAP—by signing a crucial law.
The legislation, signed by Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk during a live parliamentary session, marks a decisive step in reaffirming the independence and authority of these institutions, which had previously faced restrictions that compromised their autonomy.
The law's adoption by a majority vote signifies a clear move away from recent legislative changes that placed the agencies under the control of the Prosecutor General, a development that had sparked widespread protests and public unrest across Ukrainian cities.
Prior to this, on July 22, the parliament approved law №12414, introducing amendments to the Criminal Procedural Code that subordinated NAБУ and SAP to the Prosecutor General’s decisions, thereby undermining their independence.
President Zelensky responded promptly by signing a complementary bill aimed at strengthening the rule of law and ensuring the durability of anti-corruption mechanisms.
Public demonstrations erupted shortly after, with citizens gathering peacefully outside the Verkhovna Rada to show support for restoring the agencies’ independence.
This legislative reversal reflects the ongoing political battle for the integrity of Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts amid societal demands for transparency and justice.