Zeybek questions planned restructuring of İskeçe tax office in parliament

Independent MP Hüseyin Zeybek has submitted a parliamentary question to the Greek government over plans to restructure the tax office in İskeçe (Xanthi), warning that the proposed centralisation of tax services could significantly reduce its local responsibilities and accessibility.

In his parliamentary intervention on November 13, Zeybek raised concerns about a reported plan by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) to establish a Thrace Tax Centre headquartered in Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli).

According to reports outlining the proposed restructuring, the first stage would involve transferring the audit departments of the İskeçe Tax Office to Dedeağaç. By the end of 2028, the remaining responsibilities are also expected to be gradually transferred to centralised administrative structures, including regional tax and revenue collection centres.

Zeybek argued that implementing the plan could effectively strip the İskeçe tax office of its status as a fully operational local tax authority, leaving taxpayers and businesses in the area dependent on centralised services.

CONCERNS OVER ACCESS TO PUBLIC SERVICES

The MP highlighted concerns raised by tax office employees and local communities over the potential consequences of centralisation, particularly regarding citizens' access to public services, the handling of business-related procedures and the state's administrative presence in regional areas.

Employees have reportedly warned that centralisation in Athens and Thessaloniki has already resulted in significant delays in serving individuals and businesses. They fear that extending the same model to regional areas could further worsen the situation.

The concerns have also prompted local protests. On November 12, employees of the İskeçe tax office staged a demonstration against the proposed restructuring, receiving support from professional, scientific and trade union organisations.

SIX QUESTIONS ADDRESSED TO THE GOVERNMENT

In his parliamentary submission, Zeybek called on the government to clarify six key issues:

• Whether the government confirms that a plan has been prepared to centralise tax services across Thrace and establish a Thrace Tax Centre headquartered in Dedeağaç.
• Whether the audit departments of the İskeçe tax office will be transferred to Dedeağaç and whether its remaining responsibilities will be gradually moved to centralised structures by the end of 2028.
• Which responsibilities, if any, will remain with the İskeçe tax office following the restructuring and whether it will continue operating as a fully functional local tax authority.
• Whether an assessment has been conducted into the potential impact of centralisation on taxpayer services, administrative processing times and local businesses, taking into account delays reported in Athens and Thessaloniki.
• How many employees currently work at the İskeçe tax office and what arrangements are being considered for their employment status, permanent positions and future assignments.
• Whether the government intends to reconsider the proposed restructuring and guarantee that the İskeçe tax office retains its full operational capacity, adequate staffing, necessary responsibilities and resources to serve local residents and businesses.
• The parliamentary intervention comes amid growing opposition from tax office employees and local organisations to the proposed reorganisation of tax services across Thrace. The government's response to Zeybek's questions is expected to clarify the future of the İskeçe office.