Mitsotakis announces new support for families and young citizens
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has introduced a €1.6 billion plan aimed at addressing Greece’s falling population. Speaking at the Thessaloniki International Fair, he said the initiative is intended to reduce financial pressures on households and provide incentives for young people to remain in the country. The program, scheduled to begin in 2026, includes broad income tax reductions, targeted support for larger families, property tax relief in rural and island areas, and additional assistance for pensioners and financially vulnerable households.
Population decline and low birth rates raise alarm
The announcement comes amid worsening demographic trends. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, Greece recorded only 71,455 births in 2023, one of the lowest totals in recent decades. Fertility rates remain below replacement levels, and ongoing emigration has left many communities sparsely populated, adding pressure on the pension system. Mitsotakis described the initiative as an essential measure to secure the country’s long-term social and economic stability.
Experts question impact and fiscal sustainability
The plan has drawn scrutiny from opposition politicians and analysts, who caution that tax incentives alone may not reverse entrenched demographic challenges. Experts emphasize that accessible childcare, stable housing, and secure employment are key factors in encouraging families to have more children. Concerns have also been raised over the €1.6 billion cost and its alignment with Greece’s European Union fiscal obligations. Detailed legislation is expected from the Finance Ministry in the coming months, with parliamentary debate scheduled ahead of the program’s 2026 rollout.
