Mitsotakis outlines party's demographic boost program
- Written by E.Tsiliopoulos
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the special session of the Parliament on the report of the interparliamentary parliamentary committee on the demographic issue, said that the problem of low birth rates is linked to low growth rates in the medium and long term and added that when we talk about demographics we are talking about a national existential wager.
"New Democracy proposes a comprehensive demographic intervention, a four-way plan to reduce the burden of childcare, support for working parents, especially women who are now facing the heavy burden of raising children, returning young people who have left Greece and intergenerational solidarity through a modern insurance system ".
Mr. Mitsotakis commented on the findings of the report saying they are shocking. "From 2011 onwards for the first time after the war the population of our homeland is decreasing. If these rates continue, the Greeks will be limited to 8.9 million by 2050 and 7.3 million by 2080.
In 2016 we had 92,000 births and 118,000 deaths, so the balance is 26,000. A homeland with a diminishing population is vulnerable. Today's new generation is the first generation after the Second World War, which does not hope to live better than its parents. The social engine for progress has in fact been short-circuited in a Greece that does not provide opportunities. For many new couples the creation of a family is treated with awe. "
The chief opposition leader referred to the New Democracy program for helping new couples. "I want to highlight four major measures. We are introducing a direct grant of 2000 € for each child born in our country.
The cost of this measure will have income criteria but will catch high incomes and at a cost not exceeding 150 million a year.
The tax-free allowance should be increased by € 1,000 per child.
All baby and child hygiene items must be subject to the low VAT rate.
Day nurseries must be available for all Greek children, no child outside of nurseries with a government of New Democracy.
Any family whose child will not find a place in a kindergarten will receive a voucher of €180 for 10 months a year to choose the preferred station.
We also need specific training programs for those returning to work after stoppage of childcare. "
Mr. Mitsotakis also said that New Democracy would reintroduce the amounts cut by the government for three member and large families, while also referring to the need for a modern and effective insurance system, attractive to all employees, right to to pay after the end of their work for all the labors during their working life.
