Labour and Social Security Minister Niki Kerameus announced measures on demographics, the reform of social benefits and support for working parents through better work-life balance during an inter-ministerial press conference in Thessaloniki.

Kerameus detailed the measures under the Ministry’s remit, previously announced by the prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). She specifically highlighted steps to boost employment, including raising the minimum wage.
Starting April 1, the minimum wage will rise to 830 euros from 650 euros in 2019, marking a 27.7% increase. The average wage has also grown from 1,036 euros in 2019 to 1,252 euros, a 20.8% rise. By 2027, the goal is to have the minimum wage reach 950 euros and the average wage 1,500 euros.

Kerameus also announced reductions in social security contributions, reforms to unemployment benefits, and incentives for businesses to support new parents. Employers providing non-salary benefits up to 5,000 euros to new parents within the first year of a child’s birth will be exempt from taxes on these benefits, with an additional 5,000 euros for each dependent child.

For pensioners, support measures include increases of 2.2% to 2.5% for over two million pensions, starting on January 1, 2025. This marks the third consecutive year of pension increases. A special bonus will also be provided to pensioners affected by the "personal difference" rule, along with those not eligible for the general pension increases.

"We are actively supporting citizens. With the government’s policies, we are increasing workers’ disposable income and pensions, empowering pensioners affected by the 'personal difference' rule, and supporting disability benefit recipients under e-EFKA. We are boosting employment and responding to society's needs," said Kerameus.

Deputy Finance Minister Thanos Petralias emphasized that the government’s demographic policies extend beyond financial incentives, focusing on improving the education and healthcare systems. He added that the measures include well-paid jobs, work-life balance support, and benefits for families with three or more children.

Social Cohesion and Family Minister Sofia Zacharaki outlined reforms aimed at strengthening the welfare state, particularly for families in need. She announced the extension of large-family status to nearly 200,000 families, increased public sector hiring quotas for families with three children, and interest-free housing loans.

Zacharaki also confirmed that the Guaranteed Minimum Income will increase from 216 euros and 54 euros per child to 250 euros and 75 euros per child, with income limits adjusted based on specific criteria for property and assets.

As part of efforts to support work-life balance, she announced the nationwide expansion of the "Neighborhood Nannies" program. Additionally, a Demographics Observatory will be established as part of the National Action Plan for Demographics, funded with 3 million euros from the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF).

Deputy Health Minister Irini Agapidaki discussed the Ministry of Health’s contribution, noting two key measures announced by Mitsotakis  at the 88th TIF: free fertility screenings for women aged 30 to 35 and the simplification of Greek National Health Service Organisation coverage for assisted reproduction.