TIRANA, February 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama criticized a request by two judges’ associations to raise judicial salaries, calling it “unacceptable” and “problematic” from a logical and ethical perspective.

Rama referred to a recently published recording of a Constitutional Court session, where a judge and the associations requested monthly salaries from roughly €2,000 to €3,000. He said the arguments undermined standards of reasoning and public responsibility.

He stressed that judges cannot use their independence to pressure other branches for higher pay. Albanian judges already earn salaries comparable to Greece and double those of judges in North Macedonia and Montenegro.

Rama rejected the claim that judges “generate revenue” through fines as a justification for pay raises. He warned this logic could set a dangerous precedent for other public employees. He also highlighted the unfairness toward teachers, nurses, and other public servants.

The Prime Minister recalled that the 2016 system aimed to strengthen judicial independence through temporary higher salaries, not permanent privileges. He urged the Constitutional Court to avoid creating a precedent that could damage Albania’s reputation.

“Those interested should listen to the recording and see how absurd it is that judges seek to raise their own pay. Every man for himself!” Rama concluded.

/a.p./