Why Public Shaming of Major Tax Debtors Fails to Spur Debt Repayment

Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is set to publish its latest list of major tax debtors—individuals and companies who owe more than €150,000 to the state and have failed to settle their debts within the deadlines provided. The release is part of an ongoing effort to pressure high-value defaulters into compliance by exposing them publicly. However, despite the intent to boost accountability and encourage repayments, the strategy of public shaming has shown limited effectiveness.