Kyiv, Ukraine – Thousands of Ukrainians have taken to the streets in Kyiv and other major cities to protest a recently signed bill that critics contend weakens the nation's anti-corruption authorities. The demonstrations, which mark the first significant anti-government protests since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, directly contradict claims by U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene that protesters were seeking a peace deal with Russia. Instead, the protests are explicitly against the new legislation.
The controversial bill, signed into law by President Volodymyr Zelensky, grants the Prosecutor General increased powers over the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). This move, pushed by lawmakers from Zelensky's party, is seen by many as undermining the independence of these key anti-graft institutions. Critics argue the legislation could allow for political interference in investigations and roll back years of anti-corruption reforms.
President Zelensky defended his decision, stating that the bill aims to improve the efficiency of Ukraine's anti-corruption infrastructure and cleanse it of any "Russian influence." He emphasized the need for more justice and accountability for lawbreakers, arguing that many corruption cases had been "lying dormant" for years. Despite his assurances, the move has sparked widespread domestic and international concern.
The protests underscore deep public apprehension regarding the future of anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, a crucial requirement for the country's aspirations to join the European Union and maintain Western financial aid. International bodies, including the European Union, have voiced concerns about the implications of the bill on Ukraine's commitment to transparency and judicial reform. The demonstrations saw war veterans, civil society groups, and citizens chanting slogans like "Veto!" and "Hands off NABU!"
As stated in a tweet by Shayan Sardarizadeh, "The claim by Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, that protesters in Kyiv and other cities want Zelensky to make a peace deal with Russia, is false." The tweet clarified that "These protests are against a bill signed into law by Zelensky which critics say weakens Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities," directly refuting the narrative that the demonstrations are linked to peace negotiations with Russia.