|
It is universally acknowledged that Greece is declining demographically and the
risks to its territorial integrity are known and real. Any attempt to reduce the
welfare state towards the Greek Family is an act against the Nation. The mere
fact that spending on social policy is at 16% compared to 28%, the average of EU
countries, shows that the attempted convergence of numbers is also outrageously
selective. Greece is rapidly turning into a country of the elderly. This implies
a dramatic reduction in the number of production units.
Main causes of fertility shortage in our country.
Increase in urbanization.
Reduction of agricultural potential.
Housing problem.
Increase the time for additional education.
Careers of parents and especially mothers.
Unemployment - Employment.
Childcare problem.
Training expenses.
Minimize available time to children.
Constant degradation of human relationships.
The Homeland is threatened by:
Economic decline, due to the decline of the productive population.
Cultural withering, from the shrinkage of the New Generation.
Inadequacy in the country's military armor.
Social explosion due to a rupture of the social fabric.
Is there a Political Will to:
Increase in expenditure on Education.
Education is the most serious investment for our future. The future of its GDP
and the quality of the government depend on the quality of a country's
educational system. Equal opportunities and starting points for all Greek
children are the safety valve for the functioning of democracy. The Greek parent
consumes huge amounts to cover his child's educational needs.
Institutionalization of "Lifelong Learning" and Training.
It is perhaps the most serious effort to combat unemployment in modern times.
The rapid development of technology creates both job vacancies and a lack of
training of the already employed in the new data and needs.
Reduction of tax evasion.
The fair distribution of the tax burden is an expression of social justice. The
participation of the citizen in the joint effort according to his objectively
assessed ability to pay taxes is a basic rule for the establishment of trust and
mutual respect between the state and the citizen.
Support for agricultural policy.
Greece must claim the support of the EU for its agricultural policy and seek the
processing of its agricultural products by itself.
Spring proposal to support the Greek Family.
Systematic information of citizens about the tragic effects of the low birth
rate, with the projection of both the immediate danger of extinction of the
Nation and the imminent economic withering.
Support for Large Families.
Strong incentives that will escalate with the birth of each new child. They will
concern serious tax reliefs, tariff reductions, low-interest mortgages or other
types of loans, as well as serious points for the labor market. The honorary
pension of the mother of many children is a moral recognition of her national
contribution and her daily struggle.
Support for the new couple.
Incentives for businesses to hire and not to reject, as is customary, the new
married woman. The motives should be such that they also concern the support of
her intentions to have children.
Housing Policy.
Every young couple has the right to house their needs and their dreams for the
future. The State must be a helper in the beginning of the new family.
Establishment of Children's Centres.
They will accept children from 1 to 3 1/2 years old. The child should stay with
the family for the first year of his life. The maternity leave should be
extended over the course of one year. For the remaining 2 1/2 years, until
Kindergarten, the mother is entitled to unpaid leave or with the granting of a
small allowance. However, these years should be pensionable and the return to
work as an absolute priority. Otherwise, and if she wishes, she will return to
work normally after the year and will assign the care of her child to the
Children's Centers.
Childcare has been proven to be a serious disincentive for the intention to have
children in any new couple. Their lack creates a problem, both for finding or
keeping a job, as well as for the careers of young parents and especially
mothers.
Support for single-parent families.
Children who live with one parent due to widowhood or divorce should enjoy
special support and care.
Social care for the single mother.
Whatever led a young woman to her decision to give birth to a child out of
wedlock is respected. Taking care of the quality of life, both of the mother and
the child, is the duty of the state. Children must enjoy everything provided for
by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Political Spring endorses:
"Without a family, there is no future in Europe. But for Greece, which is part
of Europe, is there a prospect of a future without a family or with a family
without children? Refusing to bring children into the world means that we are
hindering the renewal and enrichment of our country's human capital. Being a
parent is not only a personal matter. It is his social responsibility. Every
parent - especially the mother - closes within himself the hope of the future".
(Conclusion of the European Conference on the Family - Brussels, June 1987)
|
