Rama Steps Up Pressure on Constitutional Court: "Don't Touch Belinda, or Forget About Salary Raises…"

Prime Minister Edi Rama issued his second public statement today (December 9, 2025), intensifying pressure on the Constitutional Court as it prepares to rule on the fate of his deputy, Belinda Balluku. Rama warned that if the court rules against her, he will block all future salary increases, both for Constitutional Court judges and for the wider justice system, including SPAK and the Special Court (GJKKO).

In his latest post, Rama said he will reject the judges' request for pay raises, calling the demand "unjustifiable."

This escalation comes just 48 hours before the Constitutional Court is set to review the case involving Belinda Balluku, Rama's longtime political ally and partner in government and public tenders.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister also responded to the Judges' Association, which had urged him to stop attacking the court.

Rama's statement:

"'Impossible,' some people write to me, referring to the judges' request for a €1,600 salary increase on top of their current pay. Not only is it possible, it's exactly what ordinary magistrates and advisors are asking for. And that's not all. Among those demanding raises are the 'specials,' meaning judges and prosecutors of the Special Court and SPAK, who already receive the highest salaries in the republic. They now want a raise of €3,100.

No joke. From the €6,130 they currently earn each month, they want the Constitutional Court to bump that up to €9,230 by approving an additional €3,100. How is that possible?!

Of course it's possible, if you can even change the government with a court decision, taking over the powers of the Prime Minister, the President, and Parliament combined, all without earning a single vote from the people in your entire life, then why wouldn't you also be able to take thousands more from the state budget with another ruling to increase your own salary?

Who still hasn't understood that this is not about one minister, it's about the real danger of overturning the democratic balance between the branches of power?!"