On Thursday, magistrates' salaries are expected to be approved in the Assembly with the formula proposed by the Socialist Party, a formula that foresees a minimal increase and that has been opposed by justice institutions and magistrates' associations.
This was decided today in the Laws Committee, where the draft passed with a majority vote, despite the fact that representatives of the justice system were also invited to the meeting. Formally, they were heard. Politically, it seems that the decision was made earlier.
The heads and representatives of the justice associations opposed the formula, arguing that it did not reflect the Constitutional Court's decision and did not really solve the salary impasse. But their objections did not change the majority's position.
In the end, the Laws Committee approved the path that leads the draft law to Thursday's plenary session. The justice system demanded implementation of the Constitution; the majority offered a symbolic addition. And, as often in Albania, the debate on the law ended with the arithmetic of votes.
