President Nikos Christodoulides has presented the government’s policies and measures aimed at supporting young people and families, as part of efforts to address Cyprus’ demographic challenges and encourage population recovery.
In a video message, the President emphasised that comprehensive support for families lies at the heart of government policy and is essential to tackling the country’s demographic challenges.
He explained that, since taking office, the government has been introducing measures designed to provide young people with greater security and opportunities, enabling them to purchase homes, start families, raise children and balance their professional and family responsibilities.
Housing schemes and financial support for families
President Christodoulides highlighted the implementation of housing schemes worth a total of €300 million, aimed at improving young people’s access to homeownership.
He also referred to increases in childbirth grants, which now stand at:
- €1,000 for the first child.
- €1,500 for the second child.
- €2,000 for each subsequent child.
Child benefits have also increased by 5%, with increases of up to 10% for lower-income families.
Additionally, income eligibility requirements for child benefits and student grants have been abolished for families with five or more children.
The government has also expanded the income eligibility thresholds for state financial assistance to students.
Extended parental leave and support for new mothers
The President placed particular emphasis on measures supporting working parents and new mothers.
Maternity leave has been extended from 18 to 22 weeks, while the period during which parents can take parental leave has been expanded until their child reaches the age of 15.
The government has also introduced the Midwife at Home scheme, providing additional assistance to new mothers.
Home-based support from social workers has also been introduced to help families during the early stages of parenthood.
Childcare and education measures
In childcare and education, Christodoulides highlighted subsidies covering tuition and meal expenses for children up to the age of four.
For older children, government assistance can cover up to 100% of eligible tuition fees.
The President also referred to the introduction of compulsory, free education from the age of four, the establishment of additional childcare facilities and the expansion of all-day schooling.
Meanwhile, the pilot implementation of the Breakfast for All programme has begun.
These initiatives aim to reduce the financial pressures associated with raising children while improving access to education and childcare services.
Tax and pension reforms
Christodoulides also linked the government’s demographic strategy to broader economic reforms.
He explained that the Tax Reform aims to reduce the tax burden on households and increase citizens’ disposable income.
The next major priority, he said, is Pension Reform, which seeks to increase pension payments while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
According to the President, these reforms form part of a wider strategy to strengthen financial security and improve living standards.
“We are changing our Cyprus”
Concluding his message, President Christodoulides stressed that the government’s central objective is to provide young people with more opportunities, parents with meaningful assistance and families with greater confidence in their future.
“We are changing our Cyprus through policies that respond to society’s needs and substantially improve the daily lives of every citizen,” he stated.
The President reiterated that supporting families and addressing demographic challenges remain central priorities of the government’s social and economic agenda.
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