Prime Minister unveils family-focused relief plan
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a €1.6 billion program designed to address Greece’s ongoing population decline. Speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, he emphasized that the measures aim to reduce financial burdens on households and provide incentives for young people to remain in the country. Set to take effect in 2026, the plan combines broad tax reductions with targeted support for larger families, reduced property taxes in rural and island communities, and extra aid for pensioners and financially vulnerable households.
Birth rates continue to fall
The government’s intervention responds to persistent demographic challenges. Data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority shows just 71,455 births in 2023, marking one of the lowest totals in decades. Fertility rates remain far below the replacement level, and years of emigration have left many towns sparsely populated while straining the pension system. Mitsotakis described the package as a vital measure to safeguard Greece’s future and ensure long-term stability.
Questions over impact and funding
The announcement has sparked debate among opposition parties and experts, many of whom argue that tax relief alone may not change long-standing demographic trends. Analysts highlight the need for improvements in childcare, housing availability, and employment security to encourage family growth. Concerns have also been raised over the €1.6bn expenditure and how it will fit within the country’s commitments under European Union fiscal rules. The Finance Ministry is expected to release the full legislative proposal in the coming months, with parliamentary discussion scheduled before the program begins in 2026.
