Regional Ombudsman

Regional Ombudsman

History

The idea of the defender of the citizen’s rights was born in Europe 200 years ago aiming at the reinforcement of the Rule of Law Mission.

In Greece it was established in 1997 with the foundation of the Independent Authority, the Greek Ombudsman.

In 2010, with the Law 3852 (Kallikratis Programme), the Regional Ombudsman for the reinforcement of the trust to the public sector was elected and came into effect.

Its service lasts 5 years and the selection is carried out by the Regional Council.

On 29-10-2014, the Regional Council, with an overwhelming majority, elected the first Regional Ombudsman of the Region of Western Macedonia, Mrs Anastasia Siomou, a philologist who served until September 2019 (Ω6237ΛΨ-336).

On 16-12-2019, the Regional Council, with an overwhelming majority elected Mrs. Aikaterini Tsiobanou, a lawyer from Areio Pago and a former Municipal Ombudsman of the Municipality of Kozani, as Regional Ombudsman of the Region of Western Macedonia, until October 2022 (ΨΡΣΧ7ΛΨ-Τ2Μ).

Independent Authority

The Regional Ombudsman is among the Independent Authorities that function according the laws and the conscience.

Mission

  • Within six months from the event, accepts directly affected citizens’ and business’ signed denunciations concerning the maladministration of the Region’s, the Business’ and the Legal Entities’ services.
  • Mediates free of charge between the services and the citizens-businesses, in order to help the citizens exercise their rights and to resolve their problems.
  • Controls the denounced services, makes recommendations and submits proposals that would lead to the settlement of the issue.
  • Responds within 30 days.
  • Compiles annual report and submits special proposals for the improvement of the provided Services of the Region.
  • It does not accept occasions for which a lawsuit is pending.
  • It does not impose sanctions and penalties.

It does not control

  • Insurance Funds
  • Tax Authorities
  • Hospitals
  • Prisons
  • Police Departments
  • The Public Power Corporation, the Hellenic Post Office, the Greek Manpower Employment Organisation etc

Report Submission

  • In person at the Ombudsman’s Office (27, Dimokratias St., 2nd floor)
  • By post
  • By fax
  • Via email: info.psp@pdm.gov.gr

Report Data

  • Personal information and signature
  • The demand
  • The entity against whom it is reported
  • Additional information

Operating Hours

Daily, during office hours

Telephone number: 2461351137