kathimerini.gr
Greek Municipalities Raise Taxes Amid Rising Costs
In Greece, 85 out of 287 municipalities increased taxes by an average of 16% in 2025 due to rising operational costs, including employee salaries and inflation, with Spetses seeing the highest increase at 50%.
- What are the primary factors driving municipal tax increases in Greece, and what is the immediate impact on residents?
- Municipal taxes increased in many Greek municipalities in 2025, averaging a 16% rise in 85 of the 287 municipalities that submitted budgets. This follows state-mandated employee salary increases without additional funding for municipalities.
- What are the long-term financial and social implications of these tax increases for Greek municipalities and their residents?
- The impact includes increased financial burdens on residents, especially in areas like Spetses (50% increase), Ekali and Nea Erythraia (30% and 35% increases for commercial properties), and Kifisia (18% increase). However, some municipalities offset increases by eliminating charges for vulnerable households.
- How do rising operational costs and increased demand for services affect municipal budgeting and the allocation of tax revenue?
- The increases reflect municipalities' struggles to cover rising operational costs, including employee salaries and maintenance, exacerbated by inflation and increased demand for services like schools due to population growth in some areas. Despite the taxes being intended for waste management and street lighting, some funds are used for school construction.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the significant tax increases in several municipalities, particularly in the Attica region. The detailed figures and quotes from mayors about the necessity of these increases contribute to a narrative that highlights the financial pressures faced by local governments. While it acknowledges some municipalities didn't increase taxes, the overall focus is on those that did.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and factual. However, phrases like "significant tax increases" and describing the increases as 'necessary' could subtly influence the reader's perception. More neutral language such as "tax adjustments" or "budgetary changes" might mitigate this.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on municipalities that increased taxes, potentially underrepresenting those that didn't. While it mentions some didn't increase taxes and others exempted vulnerable households, it lacks specific data on the proportion of municipalities in each category. This omission could lead to an incomplete picture of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but the emphasis on tax increases might inadvertently create a sense that this is the dominant trend, neglecting the municipalities that chose not to increase taxes or offered exemptions.
Sustainable Development Goals
The increase in municipal taxes disproportionately affects vulnerable households, potentially widening the gap between rich and poor. While some municipalities have exempted vulnerable households, the overall impact is a rise in the cost of living for many. The rationale provided by the mayor of Palaio Faliro highlights the need for increased revenue to cover rising costs, including employee salaries and infrastructure maintenance, but doesn't address the potential for increased inequality.