Shattered hopes: The harsh realities behind Greek youth's desire to emigrate
The increasing cost of living, low wages, and rising unemployment are causing many young Greeks to lose hope in their future. Moreover, significant deficiencies in the social structure and infrastructure, such as traffic safety, inadequate support for people with disabilities, and inefficiencies in public services, are seen by many as a disgrace for a developed country.
These concerns are frequently voiced by young people on social media platforms like Reddit. Many users in recent discussions have pointed out that living in Greece is becoming increasingly difficult due to current economic conditions. Particularly in large cities, the high cost of living combined with insufficient wages is leading to anxiety about both the present and future. Many young people believe that one needs to earn at least 2,000 Euros to sustain a decent life in Greece, and for most, the dream of homeownership has become a distant goal. These economic realities are driving them to seek better opportunities in other countries.
Social and infrastructure deficiencies also play a significant role in the decision to emigrate. On Reddit, traffic safety is a major concern among young people. The lack of adherence to traffic rules and inadequate road safety measures put millions of lives at risk every day. The failure to respect pedestrians, even at crosswalks, exacerbates the sense of danger on the roads, making young people feel unsafe both as drivers and as pedestrians.
The lack of adequate infrastructure for people with disabilities is another critical issue in Greece. Reddit users highlight that the failure to provide proper conditions for disabled citizens leads to their marginalization. The lack of accessibility in public spaces, roads, and transportation systems significantly hinders the lives of people with disabilities, fostering a perception among young people that society does not adequately care for its most vulnerable members.
Inefficiencies in public services complicate the process of finding jobs and building careers. The challenges faced in the labor market diminish young people's competitiveness, while bureaucratic obstacles in public services further complicate these processes. Young people believe that public services in Greece are not functioning effectively, increasing uncertainty about their future.
One striking comment on Reddit described how a user, who was not initially eager to leave Greece, starkly observed the differences between Greece and another country after spending three months abroad. The user noted how simple things like grocery prices, infrastructure, and transportation in the new country highlighted the inadequacies in Greece. The user also mentioned the frustration of seeing how quickly the police respond to incidents abroad, compared to Greece, leading to doubts about the safety of staying in Greece with their family, despite their deep love for the country. They concluded that when even a small activity requires a month's worth of work, Greece becomes an unlivable country.
The tendency of young Greeks to emigrate serves as a serious warning for the country's future. Experts emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to prevent this brain drain. Steps such as ensuring economic stability, improving social services, and strengthening infrastructure could encourage young people to remain in Greece.
Without taking actions that reignite the hopes of its younger generations, Greece risks continuing to face waves of emigration, potentially undermining the nation's sustainable development. Listening to the demands of young people and addressing their concerns about the future is crucial for the country's long-term prosperity.
