“The demographic issue, together with national independence and territorial integrity, is assessed by the Hellenic Parliament as a matter of the highest national importance and as the most critical problem facing our country,” as it calls into question “the very continuation of the Greek nation,” said Nikitas Kaklamanis at the opening of the conference titled ‘DEMOGRAPHICS #Continuity@KAPNERGOSTASIO’, which took place at the Former Kapnergostasio, as part of parliamentary initiatives to highlight one of the country’s most pressing national issues.

At the same time, Mr. Kaklamanis announced a symbolic initiative: the hiring by Parliament of a member of a very large family, aiming to signal the state’s effort to support large Greek families.

“Before stepping down from the podium, I would like to tell you a story. Every morning before going to Parliament, I stop by my usual place in Kolonaki to get a coffee. One day, a young waiter came to serve me. I asked his name and what he does, and he told me he has a degree in psychology and works in catering to pay for his postgraduate studies,” the Speaker of Parliament said, adding:

“I also asked him whether he has siblings, and he replied that he is one of twelve children in the family. As you can imagine, I was left speechless. I would therefore like to invite the parents of these twelve children to the podium and announce that, as a first tangible offering by the Greek Parliament to this large family, Parliament will hire this child.”