A public body treated me unfairly — how do I complain to the ombudsman?
The ombudsman — Συνήγορος του Πολίτη (213 130 6600) — investigates how public bodies act: delays, silence, rudeness, lost files, refusal to explain, unequal treatment. It is free, independent, and its reports carry weight. Two conditions in most countries: you complained to the body itself first, and the complaint is within a deadline (often one year). The ombudsman does not overturn decisions — for that, object and appeal (see that page); Νομική Βοήθεια (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος) (dsa.gr) helps with the legal route; Διοικητικό Πρωτοδικείο (adjustice.gr) is the court. Many countries have specialised ombudsmen too (children, patients, financial) — Συνήγορος του Πολίτη redirects you.
🗣️ What to say
"I complain about [body] concerning [what happened, dates]. I raised this with them on [date] and [no answer / an unsatisfactory answer, attached]. I consider their conduct [unreasonable / unfair / negligent] because [reasons]. I ask you to investigate and to recommend [what]."
🪜 Step by step
- Complain to the body firstIn writing; keep it. The ombudsman will ask for it.
- Within the deadlineUsually a year from the conduct, sometimes less. Later is possible with a reason.
- Complaint to Συνήγορος του ΠολίτηOnline form: what happened, what you did, what you want. Attach the correspondence.
- InvestigationThe ombudsman asks the body for its side, may look at the file, and issues findings and recommendations. Months, not weeks.
- Decision itself wrong? Νομική Βοήθεια (Δικηγορικός Σύλλογος), Διοικητικό ΠρωτοδικείοThe legal route runs in parallel and has its own deadline — do not wait for the ombudsman to appeal.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Is the ombudsman's decision binding?
Recommendations are not binding, but public bodies follow the vast majority and parliament publishes those that do not.
Can I complain about the police, a hospital, a school?
Yes, for public services; some have their own complaints bodies first. Συνήγορος του Πολίτη's site lists which.
Can the ombudsman award compensation?
It can recommend it, and many bodies pay on recommendation. For a right to compensation, the court.
📎 Sources
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “ombudsman complaint Greece”
- “complain about government office unfair”
- “ombudsman deadline complaint”
- “public body no answer complaint”
- “maladministration complaint”
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