During the discussion, experts analyzed Ukrainian society's reaction to recent legislative changes passed by parliament in violation of procedures. It was noted that the authorities broke an informal social contract established in 2022: society did not question the details of government action as long as core values, especially European integration, were preserved.
However, the parliamentary voting sparked public outrage due to blatant breaches of regulations and potential threats to the independence of anti-corruption agencies. Experts observed that these actions risked undermining cooperation with European partners: the lack of NABU's independence would have jeopardized financial support for Ukraine.
Public reaction led to mass protests, characterized by spontaneity and a network-based organization, with no clear central leadership. These protests reflected a genuine, society-wide response. The authorities eventually softened their stance, acknowledged their mistake, and moved to revise the legislation.
The discussion also highlighted the role of the civic sector and the absence of politicians at the rallies, emphasizing that the ultimate beneficiaries of these events were the anti-corruption community. It was discussed that such civic activity could influence political legitimacy and potentially accelerate elections after the war ends.
Overall, the discussion demonstrated a high level of civic consciousness and the importance of adhering to democratic procedures for Ukraine’s European integration path.
