The new judicial map for the Appeal, Administrative, and First Instance courts has almost cut in half the number of courts in the country.

The President of the National Chamber of Advocacy of Albania Maksim Haxhia said the problem begins with the appellate courts, which were all centered around Tirana.

For ‘Today’ on Euronews Albania, he a proposal has already been sent to the High Judicial Council (KLGJ).

“This community has excellent lawyers which can be engaged until vacancies in the system are filled and the vetting process is complete”, Haxhia said.

“We selected the best, and told KLGJ to pick whoever they want”, he added.

Attorney Gentian Rumano said the new map undermines access to judicial services for many citizens, as well as increases costs.

“I don’t know what they were thinking, as this doesn’t guarantee access for citizens”, Rumano said.

Another attorney, Esmerald Xhafaj, says KLGJ decided to close the Court of Appeals and Administrative Courts of First Instance in Korça, as well as the Court of Pogradec, without determining how judges will proceed with their duties.