Libyan Judiciary Chief, Miftah Al-Qawi, has written to Parliament Speaker, Saleh Abdel Nabi, requesting that judges be exempt from the proposed unified salary scale. In his letter, dated October 29, 2026, Al-Qawi emphasized that the judiciary is an independent entity and that its members' salaries should be treated differently. He argued that a suitable salary is essential for maintaining justice and the integrity of judges.
Al-Qawi's request comes as the Libyan parliament prepares to discuss the unified salary scale bill, which was submitted by the interim government led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al-Dbeiba. The bill aims to achieve social justice, but Al-Qawi warned that applying the unified scale to judges could undermine the independence of the judiciary. He highlighted that most countries provide special financial treatment to judges due to the nature of their job.
The judiciary is considered one of the most sensitive institutions in the country, and Al-Qawi stressed that its members' salaries should reflect their importance. There are approximately 5,000 members of the judiciary in Libya, and Al-Qawi argued that exempting them from the unified salary scale is a reasonable request. He expressed confidence in the parliament's understanding of the importance of judicial independence.
The unified salary scale bill has been a topic of discussion in Libya, with some arguing that it is essential for achieving social justice. However, others have raised concerns about its potential impact on certain groups, including judges. The interim government has announced a 10% increase in salaries for public sector employees, but Al-Qawi's request has added a new layer of complexity to the debate.
The Libyan parliament is set to discuss the unified salary scale bill in a session scheduled to take place in the city of Sebha. The session will also address other important issues, and it remains to be seen how Al-Qawi's request will be received. The judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and justice in Libya, and any decisions affecting its members' salaries will be closely watched.
Al-Qawi's letter to the parliament speaker highlights the challenges facing Libya's institutions as they strive to achieve stability and justice. The country's judiciary has faced numerous challenges in recent years, and Al-Qawi's request is seen as an effort to protect its independence. The parliament's response to his request will be closely monitored by various stakeholders, including human rights groups and international organizations.
The issue of judges' salaries is a critical aspect of Libya's efforts to rebuild its institutions and promote stability. The country's experience with unified salary scales has been limited, and the debate surrounding Al-Qawi's request is expected to continue. The outcome will have implications for the judiciary, the government, and the broader Libyan society.
Key points
- The Libyan judiciary chief has requested that judges be exempt from the proposed unified salary scale.
- The unified salary scale bill aims to achieve social justice but has raised concerns about its impact on certain groups.
- The Libyan parliament is set to discuss the bill in a session scheduled to take place in the city of Sebha.
