Council of State

Delays in the administration of justice by the Council of State, the country's highest administrative court, is usually the rule rather than the exception, as there are currently 11,000 cases pending.

In fact, many cases are adjourned up to 10 or more times, at the initiative of the judges themselves, and there are extreme cases such as the adjournment of one case 72 times. 

The unification of audit centers and their supervision by a strong central administration - which put an end to the expansive interpretation of circulars and legislation - as well as the previous decisions by the Tax Dispute Resolution Directorate (DED), have led to a significant reduction in appeals by taxpayers, as well as in how long it takes for them to get vindicated.

Thirteen collective requests for the annulment of the presidential decree concerning urban planning in the 2018 fire-affected regions of Eastern Attica, such as Mati, Rafina and Marathonas are being deliberated by the Council of State. 

The bonus in square meters and height under Greece's new Building Code was ruled unconstitutional in principle by the E Section of the Council of State,  Greece's highest administrative court. The ruling concerned an appeal by the Alimos Municipality in southern Athens against a building permit for the construction of an apartment block. 

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced plans to address what he described as a "problem" within the country's judiciary, proposing either a new constitution or legal amendments to resolve ongoing disputes between key judicial institutions.

Following the Council of State's decision to reinstate some judges and prosecutors who were dismissed due to their alleged links with the FETÖ terror group, a top council has initiated a new review process for these judicial members, Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç has said.

The Council of State compensated 3,000 euros to a property owner due to prolonged trial duration, with 11 adjournments leading to a decision after five years.  

The owner sought €4.5 million from the State as three of her properties were subject to archaeological regulations, prohibiting construction. After she was vindicated, she also received €3,000.

Almost five years have passed since a ruling by the Council of State, Greece's top administrative court, cleared municipal plans to demolish an illegal extension of a cafe-restaurant near Kolonaki Square in central Athens. However, the decision has yet to be implemented by the authorities.

It should classify as one of the teething problems of democracy. However, it remains a stark reality that blatantly contradicts the principles of the rule of law: Judicial rulings, issued by the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, often go unimplemented due to political expediency or to serve vested interests. 

Construction of a holiday home overlooking a bay on an Aegean island. In an interview with Kathimerini, Theodoros Aravanis, a retired Council of State judge, criticizes Environment Ministry plans to facilitate construction outside town plans.