Greece debates autonomy and self‑sufficiency for first‑level local governments

Greek commentators are urging greater autonomy and administrative‑financial self‑sufficiency for first‑level local authorities as the New Code of Local Government and a pending constitutional revision are debated. They argue that true decentralisation requires municipalities to control resources, staff and technology, enabling them to decide on everyday matters affecting citizens.

They note that Article 102 of the Constitution already mentions administrative and economic self‑sufficiency, and contend that the central state must transfer necessary funding and services to municipalities, while retaining authority only over purely national issues such as security. The call is framed as a democratic necessity rather than a policy option.