HPC launches procedure to select the Prosecutor General, applications open for 30 days

The High Prosecutorial Council held a plenary session this Thursday, during which it approved the launch of the administrative procedure for selecting candidates for the post of Prosecutor General, opening the public call for applications.

Under the legal provisions, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Albania is elected by Parliament with a qualified majority of three-fifths of all MPs, from among the names proposed by the High Prosecutorial Council. The term lasts 7 years and cannot be renewed. The current Prosecutor General, Olsian Çela, will see his term expire on December 5, 2026.

Candidates will have 30 days to submit their applications, with the deadline starting from the day the public call is announced.

In implementation of Article 22 of Law No. 97/2016 “On the organization and functioning of the Prosecution Office in the Republic of Albania,” as well as the regulation approved by the Council, applicants must meet a series of criteria.

One of the conditions is that the candidate must have 15 years of work experience as a distinguished jurist.

They must also have graduated from the School of Magistrates or hold an academic degree in law.

Candidates must not have reached retirement age, under Article 64, point 3, of Law No. 96/2016.

Another criterion is that they must not have held political functions in the public administration during the last 10 years.

They must also not have held leadership positions in political parties over the past 10 years.

It is also required that they must not have been members, collaborators or beneficiaries of the former State Security before July 2, 1991.

Likewise, they must not have been convicted by a final court decision for committing a criminal offense.

Candidates must not have been collaborators, informants or agents of intelligence services.

Another condition is that they must not be subject to any disciplinary measure currently in force.

After the application deadline closes, the Council will continue with the verification of documents, the evaluation of candidates and the follow-up of the other steps in the selection procedure, in accordance with the Constitution, the law and the relevant regulation.