Speaking at a ceremony marking the start of the new academic year at Albania’s School of Magistrates, Sadushi told aspiring judges, prosecutors, state attorneys and legal assistants that the institution’s role extended beyond professional training to developing a culture of independence and responsibility.

“The School of Magistrates does not simply prepare good legal professionals. It prepares professionals who will be entrusted with important responsibilities to adjudicate cases, prosecute on behalf of the state, protect the public interest and contribute to the administration of justice,” Sadushi said.

He said justice should be measured not only by the decisions reached but also by how citizens were treated and how decisions were reasoned.

Addressing future judges and prosecutors, Sadushi said independence, objectivity and accountability were essential to the exercise of public office.

“For those of you who will become judges, independence is not a privilege but a safeguard for citizens. It is demonstrated particularly when the right decision is not the easiest, most popular or most convenient one,” he said.

Turning to Albania’s justice reform, Sadushi said its success would ultimately depend on the professionals implementing it.

“Albania has invested heavily in reforming its justice system, but ultimately no reform can be better than the people who implement it,” he said.

He urged the new magistrates to continue developing their professional knowledge and adapt to changes in legislation, case law and society.

“The law gives you authority; your character will determine how you use it,” Sadushi said.

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He emphasized that the country is being positively assessed for its progress in delivering on EU requirements and reforms, particularly in the area of justice reform.

Speaking during a plenary session of the Parliament, where the 2026 budget and fiscal package were under discussion, Rama highlighted the achievements in fighting corruption and ensuring independence of the judiciary. He stressed that for the first time in history, Albania is prosecuting crimes without discrimination and has placed judicial independence on equal footing with the legislative and executive branches of power.

Rama asserted that the Socialist Party alone is to be credited for these reforms and is the “exclusive guarantee” of judicial independence. He warned that any attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary would ultimately backfire.

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