Justice Day in Albania, reform and support from the USA and the EU against corruption

The reformed Albanian justice system faces many challenges after the vetting process, but it has shaken the culture of impunity and for this it has the full support of the Albanian authorities and Western, American, and European partners.

These assessments were given today on the National Day of Justice in Tirana, in honor of which a joint meeting was held by the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecution Council.

President Bajram Begaj as well as representatives of the American and European diplomacy in Albania called for the new justice to deepen the results in the fight against corruption and organized crime.

At the joint annual meeting of the High Prosecution Council and the High Judicial Council, which was attended by the President of the Republic, representatives of the Assembly, the government, and the American diplomatic missions, the chairman of the KLP, Alfred Balla, listed some of the challenges that are faced by the judicial system after the reformation, among which he mentioned the increase in the quality of judgment, the return of public trust, but starting from stocks and empty places in the system.

“I would specifically list a few: the challenge of filling the vacancies left by the vetting process. It takes a few more years for us to fill our ranks. We have the challenge of finding a golden mean between the cases accumulated without end over the years and their escape from the courts of those that are more urgent. We have the challenge of consolidating the new bodies of justice, since we have been established for several years. We have the challenge of increasing the quality of investigation and judgment for criminal, civil and administrative cases”, said Mr. Balla.

The US Chargé d’affaires in Albania, David Wisner, said that the new justice representatives are bringing transparency and accountability, as well as taking action against corruption and organized crime, despite obstacles such as unfilled seats, backlog cases and an increasingly thorough vetting, while there are political pressures and high expectations from the public.

“Your efforts to improve governance, rule of law and anti-corruption are promising. Politicians, institutions and anyone who is interested in a stronger democracy in Albania must do more,” said Mr. Wisner.

He emphasized that the United States will support efforts to build successful reforms, to increase inclusiveness, to be in line with the Constitution, and to respect the independence of judicial institutions.

“The US encourages more cooperation between political groups, civil society, and others to advance key reforms for Albania’s path to the European Union and Euro-Atlantic integration. The opposition to corruption and the promotion of good governance and efforts for the rule of law is an important task for all Albanians, including all the institutions and actors that are working for them”, said Mr. Wisner.

The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, said that now for the first time after many decades, the culture of impunity has been deeply shaken.

He expressed his full support for all justice bodies and magistrates for their daily assistance in protecting the interests and rights of citizens and in protecting the public interest.

“I also reiterate the full support to SPAK and GJKKO for their help in the fight against corruption and organized crime. I understand the countless difficulties, constant pressure, and high responsibility, but this is the challenge. You can be sure that the Albanians support them”, said President Begaj.

The head of the EU Delegation in Albania, Silvio Gonzato, said that the reform in justice is irreversible and the achievements of SPAK must be irreversible and that for this they have the support of the EU.

He emphasized the progress made by SPAK in the fight against corruption and organized crime, the full functioning of the Supreme Court and for the first time since its creation was filled with career judges, the removal of corrupt judges and prosecutors from the system from the vetting process are extraordinary achievements and cornerstones on Albania’s path to establishing the rule of law.

“Now more than ever, justice reform must be strengthened, made sustainable, moved forward faster to achieve more results, and for this, infrastructure and adequate funding, human resources, and the determination of leaders to overcome challenges such as stocks in courts, etc., he said.

Justice Day in Albania commemorates the first laws in this field that were approved by the first government

Albania more than 110 years ago headed by Ismail Qemali, and is considered a day of reflection on new developments in the justice system.