ATHENS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Greek government pledged a set of new measures on Tuesday in an effort to counter the looming demographic challenge.

Addressing a conference in Athens, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed worries over recent alarming data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority.

"The figures for 2022 are extremely worrying. Our country recorded just one birth for every two deaths. It is a negative balance that has been escalating for nearly half a century," he said. "The demographic collapse is literally becoming an existential wager for our future."

While acknowledging there are no quick fixes, Mitsotakis stressed that the government will bolster policies to support families and encourage young generations to embrace parenthood.

Starting from 2024, the government will increase tax cuts for households with children, and enhance wages for parents and child benefits, he said. Furthermore, parental leave will be extended from six to nine months and working mothers will be offered better childcare options.

To encourage young people to start families, the government will also reinforce a housing initiative targeting Greeks under the age of 40, Mitsotakis added. Enditem

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