“We have our own budget bag” / Rama mocks judges: Incredible how a judge understands independence

Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded once again through a post on the “X” platform regarding the recent days’ debate over judges’ salaries and the clash between the government and the justice system.

Rama posted a photo with a statement alleged to come from a judge, which reads:

“We have our own budget bag. We are not taking from others’ bags. In short, we are not allowed to take from our own bag.”

Alongside the post, the prime minister writes:

“Incredible, but true, that a judge understands independence this way and views the Albanian state budget this way…”

Rama’s reaction comes at a moment when the debate over magistrates’ salaries has escalated, following court decisions and discussions on how they are implemented by the executive.

The issue is linked to the demand for higher judges’ salaries and the payment of back wages. Rama has opposed the level of the demands, arguing that they carry a considerable cost for the state budget.

Meanwhile, Parliament is expected to review the legal solution for judiciary salaries on September 17.

The debate between the government and representatives of the justice system remains one of the most discussed political and institutional issues of these days.