Social Cohesion and Family Minister Domna Michailidou on Tuesday presented a wide range of reforms, which are either already underway or being planned in the immediate future, in statements to the public broadcaster ERT. She placed particular emphasis on social welfare for People with Disabilities, housing policy, as well as addressing the demographic problem, which she said was an "issue of national survival".
The minister referred at length to the deafness allowance and its extension to all deaf people between the ages of 18 and 65, speaking of a correction to a serious, decades-long distortion. As she explained, up until now the benefit had only been given until the age of 18 and then again after 65, leaving a large part of the population uncovered for decades.
"By order of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and after substantial and fiscally responsible preparation, the state now recognises the permanent nature of this disability and supports people with deafness or hearing loss throughout their lives," she stressed.
Michailidou placed particular emphasis on the institution of the Personal Assistant, which she described as an innovative tool that offers substantial autonomy to Persons with Disabilities. “ It is not a luxury, but a basic means that allows a person to go to work, to study, to live equally,” she pointed out.
She also referred to the demographic issue, which she described as "an issue of national survival." As she emphasised, effectively addressing it requires a coherent set of policies that run horizontally across all ministries.
Concluding,  Michailidou said that the government is moving forward with realism, social sensitivity and a clear vision: "We do not claim to have solved all the problems. However, we are here with actions and not words, to provide answers and improve the daily lives of citizens, with social policies that leave no one behind."