Petro Poroshenko's Address to the Verkhovna Rada
Former Ukrainian President and current lawmaker Petro Poroshenko sharply criticized the parliamentary majority for stalling crucial legislation needed to advance Ukraine's path towards European Union membership. Emphasizing the strategic importance of EU integration, he called for comprehensive reforms within key law enforcement bodies, specifically targeting the State Bureau of Investigations (DBR), the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Poroshenko condemned attempts to block parliamentary summons of security officials involved in the 'Carthage' case and stressed the urgency of adopting a robust anti-corruption strategy.
Speaking on the floor of the Verkhovna Rada, Poroshenko lamented the absence of victorious spirit in the chamber, recalling that the last time the parliament stood in unison was to approve the Victory Plan for late 2024. He underscored that
“Victory remains attainable. For Ukraine, victory means joining the European Union.”
Main Points from the Speech
Poroshenko advocated for restoring the independence of Ukraine’s investigative and prosecutorial bodies through a restructuring process that involves foreign experts, drawing parallels to the 2015 establishment of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), and the High Anti-Corruption Court. He also voiced concern over the potential divergence between Ukraine and Moldova’s EU integration trajectories, warning that Moldova might join the EU before Ukraine.
Key legislative priorities highlighted by Poroshenko included:
- Prosecutorial reform;
- Revamping the State Bureau of Investigations;
- Adoption of a comprehensive anti-corruption policy.
He referenced the recent 'Carthage' special operation, where NABU detectives and SAP prosecutors detained an SBU general and high-ranking National Police officials suspected of fraudulent call center schemes. Following these arrests, public trust shifted significantly: approval ratings for NABU rose to 28.4%, while trust in the SBU dropped to -25.5%, and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s approval fell to -29.0%.
Poroshenko’s remarks highlight the critical role of reforming Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies in strengthening its bid for EU membership. These reforms are vital not only for enhancing the country’s international reputation but also for meeting the EU’s stringent anti-corruption standards. Additionally, his speech signals a renewed political engagement ahead of upcoming elections, as he seeks to reinforce his influence in parliament and reaffirm his commitment to Ukraine’s European future and institutional reforms.
In light of Poroshenko's call for urgent reforms, it is crucial to understand the implications of recent developments regarding the 'Carthage' case. His insistence on parliamentary accountability highlights the need for transparency in Ukraine’s security agencies. For a deeper insight into this matter, read about Poroshenko's appeal for the parliament to summon the leaders of NABU and SAP regarding their involvement in the investigation, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the reform process. Learn more about the 'Carthage' case and its significance.