Mitsotakis presents major family support package
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has unveiled a €1.6 billion initiative aimed at tackling Greece’s declining population. Speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, he said the program is intended to ease the financial pressures on households and encourage young citizens to stay in the country. The plan, which will take effect in 2026, includes broad income tax reductions, targeted benefits for large families, lower property taxes in rural and island areas, and additional support for pensioners and households facing high living costs.
Demographic trends raise alarm
The measures respond to persistent population challenges. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, only 71,455 children were born in 2023, one of the lowest figures in decades. Fertility rates remain far below replacement levels, while years of youth emigration have left many communities depopulated and increased pressure on the pension system. Mitsotakis described the package as an urgent step to safeguard Greece’s long-term future.
Debate over effectiveness and budget
The initiative has sparked debate among opposition parties and analysts, who caution that tax relief alone may not be enough to reverse entrenched demographic trends. Experts note that improvements in childcare, housing, and job security are crucial to encourage families to have more children. Questions have also been raised about the €1.6 billion cost and how it will be managed within the country’s European Union fiscal obligations. The Finance Ministry is expected to publish detailed legislation in the coming months, with parliamentary debate set before the program begins in 2026.
