Greece lifts pay and advances for municipal community presidents

The Greek government has introduced two measures to strengthen the role of presidents of municipal communities. Under Ministerial Decision KYA 707/2026 the monthly allowance for these officials is increased, with an additional supplement of €50‑€150 per month depending on the community’s distance from the municipal centre. Travel expenses are now treated as performance expenses linked to the mayor’s salary.

A new Local Government Code also makes a cash advance (págia) mandatory for all municipal communities and allows it to be paid twice a year, giving communities greater flexibility to meet small, urgent needs. MP Periklis Mantas, who raised the issues in parliament and through the Union of Community Presidents of Messinia, urged the Ministry of Interior to consider the tax treatment of the new performance expenses so that the full benefit reaches the presidents.