The Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges, and the Association of Prosecutors of the Republic of Albania have reacted after the deadline set by the Constitutional Court for amending the law regulating the status of magistrates expired.

The associations state that Parliament did not approve the necessary changes to judges’ and prosecutors’ salaries.

By decision no. 15, dated 17.02.2026, the Constitutional Court accepted the request to annul articles 1 and 2, point 2, of law no. 33/2023, dated 25.05.2023 “On an amendment to law no. 96/2016 ‘On the status of judges and prosecutors in the Republic of Albania’, as amended”. The request was filed by the Union of Judges and later joined by the National Association of Judges.

According to the associations, the Court found that the changes approved by Parliament had violated the financial status of magistrates, as they had resulted in a hidden salary reduction. The same decision also defined the constitutional criteria on which the new salary formula should be drafted, while Parliament was given until 31 July 2026 to adopt the relevant legal amendments.

“With the expiration of the deadline provided, we note that Parliament has not acted to approve the legal changes,” the joint reaction from the magistrates’ organizations states.

The associations emphasize that Parliament’s inaction has not created a legal vacuum, as the Constitutional Court had already predetermined the method of implementation in this situation. For this reason, starting from 1 August 2026, magistrates’ salaries must be calculated according to the formula referring to the salary of the senior public administration official, in line with Constitutional Court decision no. 35/2022.

The same formula must also be applied retroactively for the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 July 2026. The associations have stated they will closely monitor the implementation of decision no. 15, dated 17.02.2026, and have called on the responsible institutions and officials to respect the obligations arising from article 132, point 1, of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania.

The Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges, and the Association of Prosecutors of the Republic of Albania express that they will remain united in this stance and will monitor every step taken to implement the decision. They have also reiterated their readiness to cooperate constructively with the responsible institutions, with the aim of guaranteeing constitutional standards and the status of the magistrate.

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Political analyst Faton Mehmeti says that the dysfunctional institutions in Kosovo are causing significant consequences in politics, the economy and international relations. According to him, delays in establishing the institutions are harming the country’s position and holding back its development.

“The failure to form the institutions is having consequences in many areas, particularly politically. Kosovo is facing setbacks in securing new recognitions, representation in international forums and inclusion in new European initiatives,” Mehmeti told ‘Bota sot’.

He stressed that the lack of a complete institutional structure also affects how Kosovo is perceived by states that have not yet recognized its independence.

“In the eyes of countries that must decide whether to recognize Kosovo, our country gives the impression of being insecure, unstable and politically immature. This reduces the possibility of securing new recognitions, which Kosovo needs,” the political analyst said.

According to Mehmeti, the consequences are particularly serious for the economy, as the lack of functioning institutions limits Kosovo’s ability to benefit from international support and cooperation.

“The economic situation is even more problematic, as European Union funds cannot be secured at the level Kosovo needs. Moreover, the country is unable to negotiate important trade agreements with the states with which it needs to cooperate,” he said.

The analyst emphasized that delays in forming the institutions directly affect investments and projects related to the country’s development.

“The financing of economic development, investments and many other processes depend on the regular functioning of the institutions. Every delay in establishing them increases the damage Kosovo suffers politically, economically and internationally,” Faton Mehmeti concluded.

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Lawmakers are wrapping up the final cycle of discussions before the summer recess, but the future of several bills that were placed on the agenda without being voted on remains unclear. Among them, the Law on Higher Education stands out, which was reviewed in the relevant committee but failed to pass in the plenary session, a fate similar to that of the Law on Fair Representation.

The Albanian opposition bloc continues to face internal divisions over the question of who is obstructing the process and who benefits from this delay. DUI MP Ilir Hasani, in a statement to the media, hinted that if the executive were truly determined, it would pass the law on fair representation in a vote without hesitation, thus revealing which side is sabotaging it. He also added that such issues could turn into powerful arguments for a debate on early elections, for which DUI has previously expressed its readiness.

On the other hand, the governing coalition partner VLEN openly accused the integrist party, emphasizing that it was they and their leader, Ahmeti, who blocked the Law on Fair Representation, undermining the fundamental principles of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. “Albanians did not expect Ali Ahmeti to block the Law on Fair Representation and undermine a key pillar of the Ohrid Agreement. What was the reason? The lust for power!” stated VLEN.

They continued in harsh tones: “The unchanged leaders of DUI, desperate after Albanian voters sent them into opposition, are now pursuing a course contrary to the community’s interests. In Rečica e Vogël, they have drafted a dangerous scenario, trying to create the impression that the rights of Albanians are at risk merely because DUI is no longer in power. According to them, Albanians enjoy rights only when their party holds posts and when their people are seated in chairs.”

Prime Minister Mickoski spoke briefly, dismissing the possibility that these laws could become bargaining chips for early elections. He emphasized that the executive has already prepared the necessary legal solutions and that the ball is now in the court of the people’s representatives. Despite having confirmed VMRO-DPMNE’s readiness for early elections several times, Mickoski added that he prefers to focus on current projects. Meanwhile, SDSM, which previously insisted on early elections, now maintains that Mickoski will call them only when the state coffers are empty.

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Parliament today approved, with 74 votes from the majority, the $302 million loan agreement with the United States of America to finance the purchase of military equipment. The bill was discussed in the presence of the media, followed by a vote.

The opposition was not present in the chamber, meaning the agreement passed solely with the Socialists’ votes. However, during the vote, three majority MPs were not seen raising their green cards. The three MPs not seen with their green cards were Bledi Çuçi, Ervin Hoxha and Elisa Spiropali.

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Parliamentary Group Chairman Gazmend Bardhi has reacted following the release of footage by Parliament showing an employee falling down the stairs as she ran toward MP Agron Shehaj. In a social media post, Bardhi said this constituted a degrading act against the dignity of the conscientious Parliament employee.

According to him, political conflict should not involve the misuse of employees in Parliament’s administration. Bardhi stressed that Parliament’s release of the footage amounts to violence against a girl, a woman and a mother.

STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, GAZMENT BARDHI

In addition to the serious violations of the constitutional right to privacy, Parliament’s release of internal security camera footage constitutes a degrading act against the dignity of the conscientious Parliament employee.

Political conflict should not involve the misuse of employees in Parliament’s administration. Parliament’s release of this footage amounts to violence against a girl, a woman, a mother.

I strongly condemn the release of the disturbing footage in which a Parliament employee was injured, and I condemn with equal force the violation of privacy protection law by the Parliament of Albania!

VIDEO: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbTWYMBNSil/?igsh=ZzY0cjJ2cm00MTd3

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The plenary session of the Albanian Parliament ended amid heightened tensions after opposition MPs objected to the procedure followed for reviewing the defense cooperation agreement with the United States of America.

Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi decided that the draft agreement would be reviewed under an expedited procedure, announcing that the session would resume at 15:00 after the document was first discussed by the parliamentary committees.

The decision was opposed by Democratic Party MPs, who blocked the Parliament’s rostrum, preventing proceedings from continuing as normal.

Due to the tensions and clashes in the chamber, the presiding officer decided to close the session.

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This Monday, citizens gathered in front of Parliament continued their protest with chants against the government. During the rally, slogans like “Treacherous Edi Rama, you get gas, we get eggs” and “Down with the government” were heard, as protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the political situation in the country.

Meanwhile, police blocked the road in front of Parliament and set up a wider security perimeter than in previous protests, restricting movement in the area.

A banner reading “Chicken in prison, it’s an arms factory” drew attention, an irony related to the events of Thursday’s protest, when MPs and ministers were pelted with eggs while entering Parliament.

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The Parliament building has been surrounded by a large number of State Police officers, who have erected barriers and blocked access to all roads leading to it ahead of the protest announced for today.

To prevent incidents similar to those in the past, police have increased their presence on the ground and sealed off the main routes near Parliament.

The blocked areas include the intersection on Elbasan Street, the area in front of the Art Gallery and the Interior Ministry, as well as the stretch leading toward the former Democratic Party headquarters.

The authorities’ main challenge remains ensuring that the parliamentary session proceeds smoothly and maintaining order around the institution’s outer perimeter.

Once again, the rally organizers have called for a mass gathering outside the legislature’s headquarters. The possibility that the situation could escalate into tensions and clashes with law enforcement officers or lawmakers heading into the chamber cannot be ruled out, as occurred during the events of July 23.

Meanwhile, the protest is expected to bring the opposition’s demands toward the government and Prime Minister Edi Rama back to the center of the debate. Rama has unveiled a platform titled “Besa” in response to the claims raised by the protesters.

Observers will focus on how the gathering is managed and whether events unfold peacefully or mark another episode of confrontation.

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Germany’s diplomatic representative in Kosovo, Reiner Rudolph, has appealed for the urgent establishment of new state institutions, emphasizing that this action is vital for political stability, the normal functioning of the state, and the advancement of key institutional processes.

In an interview, Rudolph highlighted the importance of Kosovo sending a strong and unequivocal signal about who will lead the executive in the next four years. According to him, political uncertainty and the absence of legitimate institutions undermine the trust of citizens, international allies, and investors in the country’s stability.

“I believe that now it is essential for Kosovo to send a signal about who will build the institutions for the next four years. I am aware that discussions and procedures are underway, but I honestly think it would be positive to have the institutions as soon as possible and not enter another phase of uncertainty,” said the German ambassador.

He added that although talks on establishing the institutions are still ongoing, it is important to complete them as soon as possible. Rudolph warned that prolonging this period could bring unnecessary political instability and hinder decision-making on issues of major state interest.

The German diplomat noted that the swift creation of institutions would pave the way for Kosovo to focus on key priorities, such as reforms, economic development, and international partnership. He reaffirmed that institutional stability is an essential condition for the country’s advancement and for effectively facing the challenges ahead in the coming years.

Zogaj: Germany has long been warning Kosovo to free itself from this institutional deadlock

On this matter, in a statement for “Bota sot”, journalist Skënder Zogaj spoke.

He emphasizes that the delay in establishing institutions is causing serious damage to the state, jeopardizing ties with strategic allies, and hindering the country’s integration, so the political spectrum must react without delay.

“The statement of Ambassador Rudolph about the urgent need to put the new institutions into operation should be seen as a strong warning. It is not merely a diplomatic recommendation but a clear indication that the prolongation of the process is seriously damaging the state of Kosovo.

It is absurd for a state with such great challenges to remain without functioning institutions. Kosovo has never had this luxury, not even for a single day, let alone for months. Currently, Kosovo faces dangers in many areas, but most worrying is the cooling of relations with strategic partners, whose contribution was decisive for liberation and freedom. Building and strengthening the state is the duty of Kosovars themselves, and any delay in democratic processes and on the European path weakens the country’s international position. Without functioning institutions, Kosovo cannot be an integral part of the regional and European security architecture,” he said.

Furthermore, the journalist adds that the repeated appeals of international partners, especially Germany, for the swift formation of institutions must not be ignored, as any delay undermines Kosovo’s international position and complicates the path towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

“Exactly for this reason, diplomats of friendly countries are repeatedly repeating the same appeal: Kosovo must create its institutions without delay. Every lost day generates political, diplomatic, and strategic consequences.

Germany has long been warning Kosovo to get out of this institutional impasse. It would be unforgivable if these messages were ignored. Time is not on Kosovo’s side, and every delay makes it harder to restore trust and accelerate the Euro-Atlantic journey,” journalist Zogaj stated for “Bota sot”.

Gashi: Kosovo must finally roll up its sleeves and build stable institutions

Meanwhile, political affairs expert Eduard Gashi, in a conversation with “Bota sot”, assessed that the German ambassador’s warning should be taken as an important diplomatic signal, as the institutional blockade is weakening Kosovo’s international position, while the political class is giving priority to party interests over state interests.

“The esteemed German ambassador rightly notes concern about the course of events in Kosovo. His word is not simply a call for the establishment of institutions, but a diplomatic signal. In diplomacy, especially when it comes from a state like Germany, words are weighed carefully and are not spoken casually.

The prolonged institutional blockade is seriously damaging Kosovo’s relations with international partners. Kosovo has diplomatic representations in many countries of the world, where important work is done and contacts with friendly countries are built. However, this work must be continued and finalized by functional and legitimate institutions in Prishtina. If these do not function, even the best diplomacy loses its power.

Unfortunately, today many political actors are more focused on preserving or increasing their power than on the state interest. They forget that politics does not exist to serve parties, but to move the state forward and improve the lives of citizens,” he said.

The political expert further argues that the excessively prolonged institutional blockade is reducing Kosovo’s credibility and international weight, at a time when Western partners demand functional states, risking political, economic, and consequences for the European integration process.

“Today Kosovo finds itself in a completely different geopolitical reality from the first years of independence. Europe is undergoing major security changes, and Western partners demand reliable, predictable, and functional states. Nobody demands perfection, but everyone expects institutions that make decisions and implement them.

Naturally, this long period of institutional blockade will have consequences. No state can indefinitely afford the lack of normal institutional functioning. This is not a party issue, but an indicator of the state’s political maturity. In international politics, justifications and blame are not valid. What is valued are results. Excuses may buy time, but only results build trust.

For this very reason, Kosovo risks losing political weight and international credibility. In diplomacy, trust is capital. A state that for a long time fails to make strategic decisions begins to be perceived not as part of the solution, but as part of the problem.

Even more painful is the comparison with the past. There was a time when Kosovo’s leaders were welcomed at the White House, held high-level meetings in European capitals, and Kosovo was one of the priorities of Western policy. Today we mostly see symbolic photos with handshakes, while Kosovo’s real political influence on the international stage has shrunk considerably.

This will cost Kosovo politically, economically, and in the European integration process. Populist rhetoric will not change this reality,” Gashi explained.

The journalist finally emphasizes that all political forces bear responsibility to create functional institutions through dialogue and compromise, because only a stable, serious, and reliable Kosovo can maintain the support of allies and strengthen its international position.

“Even the call to respect the will of the people is not enough. Democracy does not only include winning elections. Democracy also means the ability to build functional institutions, to reach compromises, and to take responsibility for the state. Democratic mechanisms are designed to ensure institutional stability, not to produce endless blockades.

All political forces have responsibility. The election winner has a stronger democratic mandate, but precisely for this reason also bears the greatest responsibility. A true leader is not measured by ideological stubbornness, but by the ability to create majorities, to build bridges of cooperation, and to find solutions. At the same time, the opposition also has obligations to the state and must not turn political disagreement into institutional paralysis.

Kosovo must not fall into the illusion that the support of allies is eternal. In international relations, friendships are built on shared values, but also on shared interests. Support is not a blank check; it is earned continuously through seriousness, stability, and reliability.

Therefore, Kosovo must finally roll up its sleeves, create stable institutions, keep them functional, and move forward with concrete work and results. In a rapidly changing world, a state that stands still does not stay where it is – it falls behind. Only by being a functional, serious, and reliable state can Kosovo regain its international weight and the respect of strategic partners,” concluded political affairs expert Eduard Gashi for “Bota sot”.

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The number of people detained by police following today’s protest outside Parliament has reached 23.

During the rally, tensions escalated and clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement officers.

To disperse the crowd, officers used tear gas and pepper spray. According to reports, journalists and camera operators covering the events at close range were also affected by the police intervention.

A high-pressure water jet was also directed at News24’s camera.

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