“Demographic is the number one threat to all developed countries. It is one of the most complex and long -term problems we face internationally and in our country. The prime minister himself has made it an absolute priority- and as a ministry of social cohesion and family, the demographic, along with the mortgage, is at the core of our politicians. ” This was emphasized by the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michaelidouin the interview he gave to Nikos Chatzinikolaou, in the framework of the “Demographic 2025” conference.
Answering the question of who is responsible for the problem, he noted: “The first, logical case we all make – and I myself – is that when a family has more resources, more money per household, when it has more time and when it has more space in its household, it has more comfort to decide positively. But what the international literature shows us is that in the Western world, this linear relationship has been broken. We see that countries with high income, countries that have strong and historic welfare states are facing a low birth rate. “
This, according to Domna Michaelidou, proves that the demographic problem is not a Greek particularity, but a global challenge that cannot be dealt with by financial support.
“We do not, of course, attempt to disconnect birth to the financial support of households for this and have implemented interventions at all levels and from all ministries, with allowances and services. Even the all -day school, upgraded hospitals or best access to pediatricians, is a key part of reinforcing demographic, “he said.
The minister was particularly concerned that for a large proportion of young people aged 25-35, the creation of a family looks like a distant possibility-according to a study presented by Stratos Fanaras at the conference, only 17% of the under 35 years of age. “Other goals come first: to find the ‘right’ companion, who will always be with them, to feel internally mature, to have found themselves with themselves, to have conquered personal and professional ambitions,” he said, noting: “Youth and parenting is not a divine relationship.”