Ukrainians underlined the strength of their democratic instincts in late July by taking to the streets and protesting new legislation that aimed to curtail the independence of the country’s anti-corruption institutions. The protesters made their point and achieved a significant victory, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reversing course just days after backing the controversial changes.
Ukrainians have a long record of rising up against non-democratic moves in times of need. This latest example mirrored much larger and equally successful protest movements in recent decades such as the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2014 Revolution of Dignity. The Ukrainian public are well aware that their hard-won democratic freedoms cannot be taken for granted.
The Ukrainian authorities would be wise to treat the recent protests as a serious indication of mounting public dissatisfaction with the current government. While Ukrainians have rallied behind Zelenskyy as the country’s wartime leader, this should not be confused with blanket approval for all his policies. Indeed, more protests cannot be ruled out. Next time, public anger might not be as easily appeased.
Voice of Ukraine 