Parliament’s Law Committee approved a controversial bill on magistrates’ salaries after more than six hours of debate, with the governing Socialist Party members voting in favor and sending the legislation to Parliament for a vote on Thursday.

The debate marked a rare confrontation between the Socialist majority and representatives of Albania’s justice system, following a dispute over magistrates’ salaries and the implementation of a Constitutional Court ruling on their pay.

Representatives of the judiciary and prosecution system have argued that magistrates’ salaries should be increased by significantly more than the 2% increase proposed by the government-backed legislation.

The dispute intensified after the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council approved salary increases of approximately 43%, based on their interpretation of the Constitutional Court’s decision and without waiting for Parliament to adopt a new salary formula.

The issue has also drawn criticism from Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has sharply challenged the position taken by judicial representatives in recent days.

During a hearing before the Law Commission, however, Engert Pëllumbi, chairman of the Association of Judges of Albania, stood by his previous position and strongly criticized the government’s proposal.

He described the proposed 2% increase as an insult to magistrates and to the Constitutional Court’s ruling.

Mirela Bogdani, chairwoman of the High Prosecutorial Council, also argued that adequate salaries are essential to maintaining a stable justice system. She said the proposed legislation did not provide a satisfactory solution to the issue.

Ilir Panda, deputy chairman of Albania’s Supreme Court, said the proposed formula failed to meet the standards established by the Constitutional Court.

“The proposed formula does not guarantee the binding standards of the Constitutional Court,” Panda said.

The hearing also became tense when Justice Minister Ulsi Manja clashed with Judge Gert Hoxha, chairman of the Union of Judges, after Hoxha sought to raise issues concerning the Constitutional Court’s ruling during the commission’s proceedings.

Despite the confrontation, Hoxha left the possibility of further negotiations with the government open, but said any dialogue would have to meet certain conditions.

“We are open to dialogue, provided there is a serious invitation and that it takes place in a neutral environment,” Hoxha said.

The bill now moves to the full Parliament, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve the proposed salary formula. The vote is expected to become a key test of the government’s approach to judicial salaries and its relationship with Albania’s justice institutions.