Albania’s constitutional court confirms end of chief judge’s term

Albania's Constitutional Court has confirmed that Chief Judge Holta Zaçaj's term will end on March 10, 2025, resolving a dispute over her mandate and ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.

TIRANA, Dec 23, 2024 – Albania's Constitutional Court announced that Holta Zaçaj's term as chief judge will officially end on March 10, 2025. The decision follows several meetings and avoids a potential conflict between the Constitutional Court and the High Court, which originally appointed her.

Zaçaj took office in January 2023, succeeding Vitore Tusha, whose term ended in March 2017. Her appointment followed transitional rules in the Constitution, designed to renew the court every three years by replacing three members at a time. Initially, Zaçaj argued that her term should end in late 2025. However, the court clarified today that her term aligns with Article 179, which ensures regular renewal of court members.

Zaçaj had also requested an opinion from the Venice Commission regarding her mandate. Meanwhile, the High Court opened the vacancy on December 11, stating her term would conclude in March 2025. Today’s ruling supports this timeline, stating it does not interfere with the High Court’s process for finding a replacement.

Despite procedural delays, including Zaçaj’s push to keep her term until 2025, the Constitutional Court declared her mandate would end as per the Constitution’s transitional rules.