Open-air market vendors press finance ministry over tax demands

Representatives of Greece’s open-air market vendors called on the finance ministry on Tuesday to address their tax-related demands, as an open-ended strike by sellers and producers entered its first day.

“We need the finance ministry to listen to us,” said Angelos Deretzis, a representative of the striking vendors, speaking to ERTnews, outside the ministry during a protest at central Athens’ Syntagma Square. He said a meeting scheduled for later in the day would be critical in determining the future of the mobilisations.

Vendors are seeking changes to the presumptive tax system, the abolition of an additional 10% tax on assistants, and the withdrawal of the electronic delivery note requirement. They say discussions with the development ministry have been constructive, with most demands reportedly accepted.

Nikos Sotiriou, head of the Panattica Federation of Open-Air Market Vendors’ Associations, said talks with Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos concluded positively after months of dialogue. However, he warned that taxation issues remain unresolved.

Sotiriou said between 20% and 25% of vendors have already left the sector due to rising costs and tax burdens. He added that protests would continue nationwide, with wholesale produce markets in Athens and Thessaloniki expected to close and further disruptions planned if no agreement is reached.

Vendors argue that open-air markets play a key role in keeping food prices low and warn of wider consequences if their demands are not met.