The Constitutional Court has once again become the center of a new controversy. Although the rules are clear—a successor for a judge can only be selected once the Constitutional Court officially declares the end of their term—Sokol Sadushi has taken an unprecedented step. In what many have described as a “kamikaze” move, Sadushi has exceeded his mandate, effectively assuming the role of a higher court.
In his signed decision, Sadushi claims to have taken this initiative due to the “inaction” of the Constitutional Court in declaring the vacancy of judge Holta Zaçaj. Yet this justification appears contradictory, considering Sadushi, during his time as a member of the Constitutional Court, voted for decisions that strictly prohibited any other body from intervening in determining the term limits of constitutional judges.
Why Is This Chaos Happening?
Sokol Sadushi, one of the architects of Albania’s justice reform and a key figure aligned with Fatmir Xhafa, currently serves as Chairman of the Judicial Appointments Council (KED). This position gives him direct influence over the selection of new Constitutional Court judges. It appears that Sadushi seeks to ensure that Zaçaj’s successor is chosen under his leadership at KED, consolidating his control over key judicial appointments.
The Bigger Picture: A Widening Agenda
This power struggle is not limited to one vacancy. Behind the scenes are efforts to prematurely terminate the mandate of Judge Sonila Bejtja, known for often opposing politically favorable government decisions. These moves, combined with Zaçaj’s seat, could create three vacancies within 2025, giving Sadushi free rein to appoint judges aligned with his and his allies’ interests.
Is It Politics or Personal Interest?
This conflict does not appear purely political. The Constitutional Court, long seen as compromised under Rama’s government, has lost its role as an independent institution. Ironically, this void is now being exploited by figures within the system to expand their power, reward loyalists, and install controllable individuals. Notably, during a recent meeting of the Independent Qualification Commission (KPK), Roland Ilia openly stated: “We are ready to serve in new roles.”
Vetting’s End and the Final Maneuvers
With the first phase of vetting ending on December 31, these sudden and aggressive attempts to create vacancies in the Constitutional Court become clearer. Rather than a pursuit of justice, these moves resemble calculated efforts to fill key judicial positions with loyal appointees, ensuring control over one of Albania’s most important institutions.
Sokol Sadushi, once seen as a reformist, now emerges as the “kamikaze” of a system consuming itself—with a pioneer’s scarf in hand, yet with clear motives to consolidate absolute control over Albania’s judicial future.