The recent changes in the structure of NABU and SAP have sparked a broad societal and expert debate. The main point is the elimination of the autonomy of anti-corruption institutions and increased control by the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.
The expert stresses that manual control in the law enforcement system creates a trap for undue influence on investigations. As a result, there is a temptation to use investigations to fight opponents or protect loyal individuals, which multiplies corrupt practices.
The key problem lies in the Prosecutor General’s new power to take cases not only from anti-corruption agencies but also from independent prosecutors, as well as form prosecutorial staff without competitive procedures. This contradicts European standards of autonomy and impersonality in public governance.
The analyst emphasizes that the state is a complex tool, and when independence is lost, this is more likely to lead to degradation of institutions than to the development of the country. The changes could also negatively affect international support and investment in Ukraine, especially from European organizations.
It is emphasized that the purpose of autonomous anti-corruption institutions was to create an effective system of checks and balances to control politicians and officials. Eliminating such autonomy undermines public trust and threatens key reforms.
