Mitsotakis presents new support measures for families
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a €1.6 billion program aimed at reversing Greece’s population decline. During his address at the Thessaloniki International Fair, he said the initiative seeks to reduce the financial pressures on households and provide incentives for young people to stay in the country. The package, planned to begin in 2026, includes broad income tax reductions, targeted benefits for families with multiple children, property tax relief in rural and island areas, and additional assistance for pensioners and low-income households.
Declining birth rates raise alarm
The program comes amid ongoing demographic challenges. Data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority show only 71,455 births in 2023, one of the lowest totals in decades. Fertility rates remain far below replacement levels, and prolonged emigration has left many villages depopulated, intensifying pressure on the pension system. Mitsotakis described the measures as a necessary step to safeguard Greece’s long-term social and economic stability.
Experts and opposition question effectiveness
The plan has drawn scrutiny from opposition leaders and independent analysts, who caution that financial incentives alone may not be enough to reverse entrenched demographic trends. Experts stress that accessible childcare, secure housing, and stable employment are key factors for encouraging families to have more children. Questions have also been raised about how the €1.6 billion cost will align with Greece’s obligations under European Union fiscal rules. Detailed legislative proposals from the Finance Ministry are expected in the coming months, with parliamentary debate scheduled prior to the program’s rollout in 2026.
