Magistrates’ salaries, Minister Malaj: This is not a clash between the executive and the judiciary; the budget can only be touched by law

The issue of magistrates’ salaries has sparked a broader debate in Parliament, where Finance Minister Petrit Malaj stated that the independence of the judiciary is not in question, while emphasizing that public spending policies, including the salaries of judges and prosecutors, are determined by Parliament through law.

“The independence of the judiciary is not in question and is clearly defined by the Constitution. Public spending policies, including the salaries of judges, are the competence of Parliament. The Ministry of Finance does its work for drafting and implementing the budget on the basis of the law. The budget can only be touched by law,” Malaj said.

The minister also explained the role of the Treasury in the process of executing payments. According to him, payments submitted by institutions are checked to verify whether they are in compliance with the legal basis. Malaj described this mechanism as a way to protect public money.

“The Treasury checks and executes the payments that institutions submit, after they are in compliance with the law. If everything is in order, the payment is executed. But if there is a discrepancy or an increase that has not been reflected in the respective procedures, then the signal is given that this payment should not be made without the legal basis. This is the logic of the Treasury. This is a mechanism that protects public money. Our daily commitment is to guarantee the preservation of the sustainability of public finances and we do not implement this with the language of handcuff threats. This is not a clash of muscles between the executive and the justice system,” the minister stated.

Referring to the lawsuit that judges have filed against Treasury employees and the Finance Minister himself, Malaj asked where the legal violation lies in a case where the procedures and requirements of the law are applied.

“Our daily commitment is to guarantee the preservation of the sustainability of public finances and we do not implement it with the language of handcuff threats. Where does this happen? Where is the violation that the Treasury or the Finance Minister has committed? Where is the violation when the budget can only be touched by law?” Malaj said.

The minister emphasized that the government has not opposed the principle of dignified treatment of magistrates, but according to him, the determination of salary levels must be done through law.

“It is Parliament that must make a draft law a law and determine salary levels. Then the law is executed by the institutions, the Ministry of Finance and then the Treasury,” Malaj said.

Finally, the minister underlined that justice reform has been a priority of the government, emphasizing that support for the system will continue, but within the legal framework.

“The justice system has been an absolute priority of the Rama government and there remains a full will of this majority for unconditional support for its success, but without violating the law. No one can today make decisions about citizens’ money through pressure or by bypassing the law. The law must be respected and institutions must respect each other. Public money must be used with transparency, accountability and in the interest of all citizens,” the minister concluded.