Athens officials criticized the prime minister’s plan to strip municipalities of authority over building permits, calling it a move that sidelines local government

Athens plans to transfer local planning services to the national land registry from 2026, sparking fierce opposition from mayors who see the move as a threat to their authority

The investigation revealed that bribes ranged from €500 to €1,000 per case, with the “going rate” typically between €300 and €600, depending on the urgency and complexity of the request.

Six of the suspects are employees of the offices (the national cadastre), while three are private citizens accused of being the “intermediaries”

The relevant amendment, which aims to resolve property ownership disputes and provide clarity on land rights affecting thousands of Greeks, also includes the suspension of pending lawsuits that have already been submitted.