TIRANA: Albania's new President Bujar Nishani wants to tackle stalled legal reforms and the ongoing political crisis which threatens the country's EU integration.
"The justice system will be my priority. I have decided to fully engage in favour of the reform of the legal system which remains a key factor in Albania's integration in the European Union," Nishani told AFP in an interview before his inauguration.
Brussels has repeatedly slammed the "shortcomings" of the Albanian legal system in terms of "independence, transparency and efficiency". Opinion polls show that a majority of Albanians see the justice system as one of the most corrupt sectors in society.
"There are many allegations of corruption, certain judges and prosecutors are accused of lacking professional and moral integrity," Nishani, a former justice and interior minister, told AFP.
While Albania, population 2.8 million, is a parliamentary democracy with institutional power vested in the prime minister, the president is the head of the legal system and commander of the armed forces. In his function he appoints judges and prosecutors but also, upon a nomination of the prime minister, the head of the secret service.
"The president can directly contribute (to justice reform) while at the same time assuring public opinion and the international partners that we can reach the standards asked of us," said Nishani, who was elected in June to the post with a simple majority in Parliament, backed by the rightwing ruling coalition.
Albania's EU entry is a priority for new president
