Greece pledges measures to address demographic challenge

On Tuesday, the Greek government pledged a set of new measures to counter the looming demographic challenge.

Addressing a conference in Athens, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed worries over recent alarming data the Hellenic Statistical Authority released.

"The figures for 2022 are extremely worrying. Our country recorded just one birth for every two deaths. It is a negative balance escalating for nearly half a century," he said. "The demographic collapse is becoming an existential wager for our future."

While acknowledging no quick fixes, Mitsotakis stressed that the government will bolster policies to support families and encourage young generations to embrace parenthood.

He said that starting in 2024, the government will increase tax cuts for households with children and enhance wages for parents and child benefits. Furthermore, parental leave will be extended from six to nine months, and working mothers will be offered better childcare options.

To encourage young people to start families, the government will also reinforce a housing initiative targeting Greeks under 40, Mitsotakis added.