DP Sought Removal From the Agenda; Majority Rejects the Request on the Magistrates’ Bill

Parliament has rejected the Democratic Party’s request to remove from the agenda the bill on the status of judges and prosecutors, which foresees changes related to magistrates’ pay. The opposition’s request was put to a vote in plenary session and was rejected with 36 votes in favor and 79 against. The DP had asked that the bill not be reviewed in today’s session, but be sent for assessment to the Council for Legislation. Democratic parliamentary group leader Gazment Bardhi argued during his speech in Parliament that the issue of magistrates’ status is directly linked to guaranteeing the independence of the justice system.

Bardhi said this issue has been carried over for seven years and that three decisions have been issued on it by the Constitutional Court, while accusing the majority of not implementing the two previous decisions.

“Withdraw this bill from the agenda, because you risk violating the Constitution again,” Bardhi declared. He asked Parliament to take the necessary time to discuss with justice bodies and magistrates’ associations, with the aim of finding a final solution.

“It is unimaginable for the justice system to be under the majority’s pressure for seven years,” said the DP parliamentary group leader.

On the other hand, Socialist parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla declared that the bill will continue the parliamentary procedure and will be voted on. Balla said the Council for Legislation has completed its task in an exemplary manner, countering the opposition’s argument for sending the bill back for review.

He also referred to the Constitutional Court, saying the decision on the matter in question was taken in mid-February, while it was published at the end of April. After the rejection of the DP’s request, the bill on the status of judges and prosecutors remains on Parliament’s agenda for review and voting.