Parliament approves bill updating corruption laws of Ukraine

After a marathon session, the Ukrainian parliament passed a presidential bill that in theory would improve the state’s ability to fight corruption. Arseniy Yatsenyuk said the opposition scored the only improvements in the bill.

News and commentary from Ukraine Business Online:

KYIV, April 8, 2011 (UBO) – In a marathon sitting that went three hours beyond the normal parliamentary schedule, the Verkhovna Rada last night adopted a presidential bill on the principles of preventing and combating corruption in Ukraine, UkrInform reported.

In voting on amendments, the parliament voted to change articles on the definition of terms, a special audit of individuals in posts related to the fulfillment of the functions of the state or local government, the provisions of an article about financial controls and the Final Provisions section.

In addition, the parliament ordered the committee on combating organized crime and corruption and the main legal department to introduce legislative changes to the text of the bill based on the amendments adopted. In addition, there were instructions to divide the bill, while preparing it for signature, into two laws - a law on the principles of preventing and combating corruption and a law on amendments to certain legislative acts of Ukraine regarding liability for corruption offenses.

Yatsenyuk claims opposition amendments helped the bill

Speaking the reporters the day after the vote, Arseniy Yatsenyuk said, "Consolidation in the anti-corruption law binding declaration of expenses of officials and their families was a victory for the opposition." The leader of the Front for Change political party added, "It was my suggestion, I insisted on it. This is the only opposition victory, but very important."

However, Yatsenyuk expressed regret that the introduction of this rule was delayed until January 1, 2012. "That is a year officials will be able to enjoy impunity for their corrupt incomes," he added.

Based on recent experience, many political observers believe Ukrainian citizens will be most interested to see whether the new laws will be applied fairly, or used by the government to attack the ruling party’s political opponents.