“Our vision is the formation of a strong social network. Where each person will be able to act autonomously, have equal opportunities but also receive the care of the State when they need it”, emphasized the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Sofia Zaharakis, during her position in the discussion of the 2024 Budget.

The minister said that “our goal is for the new Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family to be established as a lever for the development of a strong society. A society that will be based on justice, equality, solidarity and respect for rights, without any shadow.” In our focus is “the support of the Family, which despite the adversities endured, as well as every person regardless of the solar spectrum who needs us to be by their side, that’s why we have prepared a grid of actions”

Mrs. Zaharaki stated that the total budget of the Ministry for 2024 is 3,922,039,000 euros. Of these, 3,718,039,000 euros will be drawn from the regular Budget and 274 million euros from the Public Investment Program, which includes the money from the Recovery Fund that is deployed in projects and actions of four axes.

The minister pointed out that “it is very important that the 3,666,220 euros are intended to be transferred to grants, which shows the strong social character of this Budget as they will meet the needs of our fellow citizens” noting that “the projects we implement from the budget will be a guide of a consistent policy, with respect and support for each of our fellow citizens, without exclusions”.

Mrs. Zaharaki stated that “compared to the previous year, we have managed to secure significant increases in funds, in order to cover even more of our fellow citizens” Characteristically, the minister noted that “this year, we gave a total of 360 million euros and covered all the applications for nurseries and all PWD applications for KDAP. And we are proceeding to increase credits for nurseries by 25 million euros”. Regarding the school meals, the minister said that “compared to the 2018-19 school year, when 1,058 school units participated, this year we succeeded and are providing meals to 1,658 primary schools, the most that have ever participated. And in the new year we will proceed to a new contractual framework and we have already taken care of the increase in school meal credits by 5 million euros”.

At the same time, the minister added, “we are proceeding with a significant increase in allowances. In more detail: Increase in disability allowances by 130 million euros, with an increase in beneficiaries. We are increasing the housing allowance by 4 million euros. We are increasing the credits of the uninsured elderly program by 7 million euros. The operational costs of OPECA by 1 million euros and the Social Welfare Centers by 3 million euros. As we increase the housing and work program.’

Mrs. Zaharaki informed that in cooperation with OPECA on Friday, December 22, 2023, the extraordinary benefits of 175 million euros for the month of December will be paid. These include the 200 euro increase in the allowance for ‘Persons with Disabilities’. The extraordinary aid of 150 euros for the beneficiaries of the Uninsured Elderly benefit. The 150% increase in child benefit and half of the monthly payment of the Minimum Guaranteed Income. .

The minister stated that as of yesterday, the National Plan for the Demographics was put into electronic consultation and it is scheduled to be handed over to the prime minister by the beginning of May, as well as for a meaningful and constructive dialogue to take place with the parties.