Speaking at the Conference organized at the Acropolis Museum, the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Sofia Zaharaki, pointed out, among other things, that the government’s demographic strategy is multi-year, drawn up with pragmatism but also optimism with a realistic goal of stabilizing births.

“Obviously we are not talking about an immediate reversal of the demographic trend. Anyone who came and said this would not be speaking the language of truth” noted Mrs. Zaharaki, who set as a condition for the success of the national battle the mobilization of all forces. With a separate invitation to the private sector, businesses and banks.

The Minister of Social Cohesion and Family announced a national information campaign about the family and especially about fertility issues, as she emphasized that there is little knowledge, especially among young people, of how it affects their long-term possibilities and the choice to have a family.

“All together we must give perspective and hope to the new generation which has been strained by the multiple crises” stressed Mrs. Zaharaki referring to individual policies and programs implemented by the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family and which are part of the broader framework of dealing with the Demographics.

Regarding the housing programs with a total budget of 2.3 billion euros that are being implemented, the minister said that an expansion and improvement of the conditions for “Renovate – Rent” is being considered in order to make the specific program more attractive. It is recalled that Renovating – Renting concerns the functional renovation of 12,500 closed apartments in order to make them available for long-term leasing. Through the “My Home” program, 6,049 loans have already been disbursed for the purchase of a home by couples up to 39 years old.

The 700 million euros have been allocated by DYPA.

The minister highlighted the regional dimension of the Demographics by essentially talking about “13 plans for the Demographics” emphasizing in particular the contribution of ENPE and KEDE with proposals as well as the crucial role in the implementation of individual policies.

He referred extensively to measures to support female employment and women’s empowerment, the harmonization of personal and professional life, the supportive framework for families with children.

With regard to the support of the elderly, he placed special emphasis on active and healthy aging, on the recent legislative initiative of the government that makes it easier for retirees to return to work if they wish, on the strengthening of creative employment programs, on the upgrading of social security schemes and FUN but also in the perspective of starting new programs for caregivers at home.