TIRANA, Sept 19 /ATA/ Albania’s Parliament approved the bill on the status of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania after midnight, with 84 votes in favour and 24 against. The legislation sets out the salaries of magistrates.
“The bill will enter into force immediately following the approval given by President Bajram Begaj,” Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said.
Socialist Party MP Aulona Bylykbashi presented the bill on magistrates’ salaries in Parliament, which provides for an increase in the coefficient used to calculate their pay from 0.36 to 0.38 of the president’s salary.
She said the 0.38 coefficient reflected a balanced assessment, correcting the impact of the freeze identified by the court while ensuring remuneration was in line with the importance and constraints of the role, while avoiding placing a strain on public finances.
The approval of the bill providing for a 2% increase in magistrates’ salaries, linked to the president’s salary, has been opposed by representatives of the justice system. Judges’ and prosecutors’ associations have said the proposed formula does not comply with the standards set by the Constitutional Court and have warned that they will pursue the matter before the court.
The High Court also called for the bill not to be put to a vote until institutional consultations with the justice system had taken place.
During a marathon parliamentary session that began at 10 a.m. on Thursday, MPs rejected an opposition request to remove the bill from the agenda and continue consultations. Parliament then proceeded with its review and approval.
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