New Left MPs demand national strategy to revitalize rural areas and tackle demographic decline

A group of nine Members of Parliament from the New Left party, including the head of the Parliamentary Group Alexis Haritsis, have submitted a formal question to the competent ministers, calling for a comprehensive and multi-sectoral national policy aimed at revitalizing rural areas and curbing population decline in remote parts of the country.

Demographic Imbalance and Rural Exodus
The MPs highlight that the abandonment of rural areas has become a pressing issue, threatening the country's demographic balance and sustainable development. Many villages, particularly in mountainous and remote regions, are facing depopulation and the deterioration of basic infrastructure and services.

They point to international examples, notably Spain, which has established a dedicated Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges, linking rural sustainability with climate policy. The MPs argue that similar institutional responses are urgently needed in Greece.

Eight-Point Proposal for Rural Revitalization
The question submitted includes an eight-point framework, urging the government to clarify its intentions and planning regarding:

1. The creation of a national, cross-sectoral strategy aligned with best European practices, such as the European Commission’s vision for reconnecting citizens with land, food systems, and cultural heritage.
2. The institutional coordination between ministries and public bodies to ensure that rural policies operate under a unified strategic plan, avoiding fragmentation or internal contradictions.
3. The provision of tax incentives, housing renovation subsidies, entrepreneurship support, and interest-free loans for citizens who choose to settle permanently in rural and remote areas.
4. The introduction of early retirement schemes for vulnerable rural populations (e.g., farmers), and social security incentives for young farmers and professionals operating in rural zones.
5. Concrete measures to improve everyday living conditions in rural regions through investment in essential infrastructure such as healthcare, education, public transport, and digital connectivity, along with the development of "smart" and flexible local services.
6. Additional support for young farmers, beyond the CAP Strategic Plan, including agrotourism initiatives and sustainable start-ups.
7. A housing policy framework to utilize abandoned housing stock in rural villages, similar to efforts seen in other EU countries.
8. Promotion of localized production models, increasing locally added value through agricultural, social, and cultural activities that connect communities with their land and traditions.

Broader Concerns
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over Greece’s demographic decline and the urgent need for policies that support the economic and social vitality of the countryside.