Greece approves new Local Government Code overhauling municipal taxes and elections

The Greek government, led by Interior Minister Thodoris Livanios, presented a comprehensive Local Government Code of 774 articles to parliament. The reform abolishes the Electric‑Connected Land Tax (FICH) and the Property Assets Tax (TAP), replacing them with a Local Development Fee (TTΑ) tied to a property's zone value and age. Most owners will see lower charges—for example a 120 m² apartment in Ano Patissia would drop from €71.1 to €45—while high‑value properties may face higher fees. The previously proposed Regional Development Fee was dropped after public feedback.

The code also changes local electoral procedures, removing the second round and introducing an alternative‑vote system that counts second preferences if no list reaches 42 % in the first count. Additional measures include permanent staffing for municipal nurseries, a digital registry for public‑sector hiring, a birth‑grant of up to €3,000 per child, extended debt‑repayment terms for municipalities, and integration of local authorities into a unified digital payment portal.