Albanian Court Dismisses Objections to Vetting Judges

Albania's Constitutional court on Thursday opened the way towards the vetting of around 800 judges and prosecutors in terms of their professional ability, moral integrity, and level of independence from organised crime, corruption, and political officials after dismissing objections to the new "vetting law'.

The judges ruled that the law was in accordance with the constitution. The law is considered crucial not only for the implementation of judicial reforms but for Albania to be able to set a date for opening accession talks with the EU.

Parliament passed the Law on Reassessment of Judges and Prosecutors in August but its implementation was stalled after the opposition Democratic Party and the Albanian Union of Judges expressed concerns over the composition of the commission in charge of vetting the officials.

The Constitutional Court took the issue to the Venice Commission, which advised two weeks ago that the law was in accordance with Albania's constitution and does not violate human rights.

Prime Minister Edi Rama took to social networks to express enthusiasm over the court ruling, adding that "clearance" of justice officials was about to begin.

"The Constitutional Court dropped the Democratic Party's complaints against vetting. They delayed it [implementation] but they couldn't stop it. Now is the time for implementation. Let's start the clearance in the Palace of Justice and get a date for opening accession talks with the EU," Rama wrote.

On the other hand, Democratic Party said it remained concerned that the law will put the process of vetting under the control of the Prime Minister.

"Governmental control of vetting is dangerous whoever is the PM. But in the current conditions, when PM Rama is tied to crime and...