Draft law on magistrates’ salaries approved with 84 votes, enters into force immediately

Albania’s Parliament approved with 84 votes in favor and 24 against the draft law “On the status of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania,” which concerns the setting of magistrates’ salaries.

The draft law enters into force immediately after the approval also given by President Bajram Begaj, announced Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi.

The decision comes after the magistrates’ request, which was accepted by the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, Parliament, through two deputies, deposited last week the draft law voted on today in plenary session.

The approval of the draft law was opposed by representatives of the justice system. The associations of judges and prosecutors said the proposed formula does not match the standards set by the Constitutional Court and warned they would pursue the case in the Constitutional Court.

The Supreme Court also asked that the draft law not be put to a vote without continuing the institutional consultation with the justice system.

In today’s session, the opposition’s request to remove the draft law from the agenda and continue consultations was not accepted, and Parliament proceeded with its review and approval.