Speaking amid an ongoing public debate, Rama dismissed allegations that the Council of Ministers deliberately removed a salary reference by abolishing the post of director-general within the Prime Minister’s office, calling the claim unfounded.

Rama said judges must substantiate claims of pay cuts or financial disadvantage with concrete documentation, arguing that assertions without proof were unacceptable.

He said Albanian judges’ salaries are in line with those of their counterparts in Greece and that demands for further increases of 2,000-3,000 euros per month were unjustified.

Rama also criticised judges’ associations for making public political-style statements, saying magistrates were not political actors and should not engage in public rhetoric accusing the government of unconstitutional conduct.

The Premier said the government remains the guarantor of judicial independence, adding that reforms in recent years have significantly strengthened judges’ professional and personal independence.

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