The Economist: An attack on NABU — A panic measure or the beginning of a rollback of reforms

The Economist: An attack on NABU — A panic measure or the beginning of a rollback of reforms

«Panic measure». The passing of a law against NABU and SAPO may have been prompted by these bodies’ investigations into Zelenskyy’s entourage, reports the British magazine The Economist.

«The authorities’ decision to launch an attack on the reforms of the Maidan era raises suspicions of malicious intent. According to sources, the reason for the adoption of the bill might have been NABU’s investigations into the President’s Office entourage,» the article states.

It should be reminded that earlier, journalist Nikolov, who supports NABU, wrote about this.

The magazine notes that the assault on the anti-corruption infrastructure «shocked even many in Zelenskyy’s inner circle».

«One official compared the haste and scale of the bill with the infamous «dictatorial laws» of January 16, 2014 — one of the last actions of Viktor Yanukovych’s government before his escape from Kyiv. Another source claimed that the President’s Office decided to take advantage of the moment of impunity and opportunities — after they partially swayed US President Donald Trump, who had previously been disappointed in Putin. Now the focus has shifted to internal opponents,» the article notes.

According to The Economist, the European Union pressured Zelenskyy not to sign the document (which was eventually signed).

The magazine believes that the adoption of this bill «looked like a panic measure», as it was carried out in record time — in just one day.

«This vote, which undermines one of Ukraine’s most important anti-corruption reforms, casts a shadow over the country’s future,» writes The Economist.