Greek lawmakers challenge strict new water bill debt penalties

Members of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) have submitted a formal parliamentary inquiry to the Ministers of Interior and National Economy and Finance regarding strict new regulations for overdue water bills.

Under Articles 271 and 272 of the new Local Government Code (Law 5314/2026), a mandatory 50% penalty is imposed on any water bill debt that remains unpaid for more than six months. Furthermore, the law requires that the total debt, including the 50% penalty, be transferred to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) for compulsory collection, which can include measures such as tax ID freezing or asset seizures.

The lawmakers argue that these measures are excessively harsh and will disproportionately affect low-income households already struggling with the cost of living. They are requesting that the government clarify whether it intends to take measures to prevent the implementation of these specific provisions.