Prime Minister Edi Rama again attacks judges on the issue of salary increases.
In a statement to the media, the head of government stressed that he was surprised by the reaction of the judges' association, while adding that its request is unique in the history of Europe.
"I am here in a fair communication because I am absolutely surprised by the unreliable reaction of the judges' association regarding the concern about an attempt that in my view is unacceptable to impose the government on the Assembly through the judicial branch and to increase the salaries of the judges themselves."
You can't say the ball is mine, I will shoot the ball myself and the goal must be empty. Populist smoke. Register as a party and reveal your platform if you want. You gentlemen are asking for 37 million euros from the state budget. This is the truth and that the ball is rolling. Albanians should know what we are with you in the Constitutional Court for. You are asking for the Appeals judge to go from 3480 euros to over 5 thousand. I would like to point out that SPAK has not joined this absurd request to increase the salary to 9800 euros. Meanwhile, today, the salaries of judges are around 6500 euros. You want to increase the salaries of yourself, in the courts, by 3 thousand euros per month. Where are you? What are you asking for? You have salaries like in Greece, you want to increase them by 2-3 thousand euros per month. In the name of what? There is no law and no constitution. You say you can't remain silent about the Prime Minister's mudslinging? What content? You are the party that should remain silent in public and give a decision in the courtroom. With this attempt at the Constitutional Court, you want to be the law. This is the truth. My stance does not aim to ignite a debate in public.
Stop getting involved by using labels, as they suit the parties, especially the old ones. The truth is completely different and that package was drafted by national and international experts. There is absolutely no truth to what you say. Gentlemen, we have decided in 2016 an extraordinary salary increase, as an expression of the will and message of that reform. So that you are paid more than your colleagues in the region, so that you are independent and do your job to maintain the independent power of justice, in the name of the people and the republic of Albania. In 2016 when we passed the decision, Albania was a different country, today it has more opportunities", he said, among other things.
Among other things, Rama added that Article 103 did not increase salaries in a progressive manner.
"You say that we have made our financial position difficult? These are lies! Produce a document. Make public statements when you really have moments when your position is being violated by some force. But this government is the guarantee for your life and your work. You are totally independent. Are you impartial? You should look at this in yourself, not go out in public and make flashy statements. Article 103 does not say that your salaries should be increased progressively! There is no country in the world where you cannot have this superiority! Salaries are not increased by the court. Why are you different from others? Why can't cleaning women go to the courts to increase their salaries, or teachers?", he asserted.
