President Nikos Christodoulides set out a series of measures and policies aimed at supporting families and boosting Cyprus’s demographic recovery, in a video message on Sunday. He stressed that the family is at the core of government policy.
Η Κυβέρνηση υλοποιεί πολιτικές ώστε περισσότεροι νέοι να σχεδιάζουν το μέλλον τους με σιγουριά, να αποκτήσουν το δικό τους σπίτι, να δημιουργήσουν οικογένεια και να μεγαλώσουν τα παιδιά τους με ασφάλεια και προοπτική, με το Κράτος πάντα δίπλα τους σε κάθε βήμα. Η ουσιαστική και πολυεπίπεδη στήριξη της οικογένειας βρίσκεται στον πυρήνα των κυβερνητικών πολιτικών ως καθοριστικό μέτρο για τη δημογραφική ανάκαμψη της χώρας, ένας στόχος εφικτός μέσα από μια ολιστική προσέγγιση μακροχρόνιου σχεδιασμού. Η Κύπρος αλλάζει, με πολιτικές που ανταποκρίνονται στις ανάγκες της κοινωνίας και βελτιώνουν ουσιαστικά την καθημερινότητα του πολίτη.
— Προεδρία της ΚΔ (@CYpresidency) November 1, 2026
He said that since the government took office, “policies have been implemented so that more young people can plan their future with confidence, own their own home, start a family and raise their children with security and prospects, while also balancing work and family life”.
Housing and birth grants
In this context, the President referred to housing schemes worth a total of €300 million. He also cited the increase in the birth grant, which now stands at:
- €1,000 for the first child
- €1,500 for the second child
- €2,000 for each subsequent child
Maternity and parental leave
He also mentioned the extension of maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks, the introduction of the “Midwife at Home”scheme for new mothers and the launch of home support from a social worker. In addition, he said, parental leave has been extended until the child turns 15.
Child benefit and student support
On financial support for families, Mr Christodoulides said that child benefit has risen by 5%, and by up to 10% for lower-income families. He added that income criteria have been abolished for child benefit and the student grant for families with five or more children.
He also said that overall state support for students has increased, as the income criteria have been widened to cover more families.
Pre-primary care and education
The President made particular reference to measures on pre-primary care and education. He said the government has subsidised fees and meals for children up to the age of four, covering up to 100% of eligible fees for older children.
In addition, compulsory and free education from the age of four has been introduced, new childcare facilities have been created and all-day schooling has been expanded.
The President also referred to the launch of a pilot of the “Breakfast for All” programme which, he said, forms part of the wider framework of policies to support families.
Tax and pension reform
President Christodoulides also referred to the tax reform, saying that it reduces the tax burden and increases people’s disposable income.
He added that the next step is pension reform, aimed at increasing pensions and safeguarding the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.
Concluding, the President said the government’s aim is to offer young people more choices, give parents real support and provide families with greater security for the future.
“We are changing our Cyprus with policies that respond to the needs of society and genuinely improve the daily lives of every citizen,” the President said at the end of his message.
Source: CNA
