The upheaval of the post-war European model of economic development, social welfare and cohesion, insecurity and uncertainty about the future, worsening demographic trends and the promotion by some circles of mass immigration as a solution to Europe’s demographic and labor problem were bound to cause and political consequences.

Political parties that have been protagonists for many decades are disappearing, the smooth rotation in power of moderate parties with not diametrically opposed orientations is a thing of the past. Swelling segments of the population express dissatisfaction, disappointment, alienation. Often, in fact, voting not out of conviction but out of rejection,” stressed former Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis speaking at STAR FORUM ’24.

“European political leaders must listen carefully and respond persuasively to the concerns of citizens, especially those who are affected by these phenomena and see their lives changing for the worse. They have to lean into their problems, listen to their concerns, explain that they really care about them.. Because highly elitist attitudes do not fit. Disparaging and pejorative characterizations only add fuel to the fire. People need respect for their values, traditions and roots, their patriotism and national identity, the role of the family, their religious faith. They need to be convinced that their own rights cannot be equally respected in the name of a right,” he added.

Referring to the demographic which he described as a time bomb in the foundations of the nation and therefore the most critical national issue in the years to come, Mr. Karamanlis said: “Taking this into account, in any case the elaboration and implementation of an integrated and targeted family policy. Simply put, policy to support the family and increase fertility. Such a policy includes, on the one hand, a network of measures and incentives of a fiscal, labor and benefit nature. And on the other, a corresponding set of measures of a social nature related to care during infancy, access to education, medical coverage. A key parameter in this package is a facilitation policy for young couples to acquire a home.”

“It should be noted that, in this direction, the gradual assimilation of three children to those with many children has a special value. It was attempted in 2007 with notable and measurable results, it was undone in the years of the memorandums” he noted.

In closing, the former prime minister underlined: “It is in these conditions that Hellenism must survive and stand tall. One of the biggest, possibly the biggest, challenges we face is demographic. If we do not act now, immediately, decisively, it will become an existential problem. I’m not talking to you politically, make no mistake, and I’m even less talking to you partisan. I am speaking to you nationally. We must act now and act strongly! The answers we seek are visible and pass through our consciousness. It is enough to listen to her which means a national alarm!!!”