Lawyers of İskeçe (Xanthi) Bar Association to strike on September 16

The lawyers of the İskeçe (Xanthi) Bar Association will refrain from their duties on September 16, 2025, the opening day of the new judicial year, in protest against current tax policies, the unchanged VAT exemption threshold, and the Ministry of Justice’s recent proposals to reform the legal profession.

The decision was taken by the Bar’s Board of Directors on September 8, 2025, following the recommendation of the Coordinating Committee of the Plenary of Presidents of Greek Bar Associations (July 26, 2025).

The strike serves as a strong message of dissent against the retention of the VAT exemption threshold at €10,000, while in most EU countries the corresponding limit exceeds €30,000. Lawyers also oppose proposed changes in professional practice announced by the Ministry of Justice, which were made without prior consultation with the relevant institutional bodies.

The İskeçe (Xanthi) Bar Association emphasized the need for institutional dialogue, respect for the self-regulation of the legal profession, and comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing the justice system, rather than fragmented measures or superficial rhetoric.

Specifically, the association called on the government to:

Abolish the deemed taxation method under the “Hatzidakis Law.”

Take necessary steps at the EU level to reduce VAT on legal proceedings.

Introduce mandatory lawyer representation in property and civil transactions.

The Board also strongly opposed the Ministry of Justice’s proposals to revise professional practice and promotion rules for lawyers, arguing that such changes fall under the self-regulation of the profession rather than state administration, and should involve prior dialogue with the legal community.

The İskeçe (Xanthi) Bar Association concluded that these issues require holistic solutions, and warned that shifting blame for judicial delays onto lawyers is misleading, unfounded, and politically motivated.