From Florina, in the context of the presentation of the National Strategy for Regional and Local Development, the Deputy Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Elena Rapti, presented the work and strategic priorities of the Ministry, emphasizing a new, more humane and inclusive approach to social policy.

Ms. Rapti, speaking before local authorities and social organizations, emphasized that “the government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis since 2019 has redefined social policy, moving from passive benefit logic to active and inclusive policies.”

Social Policy with Family, Equality and Inclusion as Pillars

At the heart of the Ministry’s actions are:

• Child protection and ensuring the right of every child to grow up in a family.
• Independent living of People with Disabilities (PWDs).
• The promotion of substantive gender equality.
• Tackling poverty and homelessness.

Important Interventions in the Regional Government of Florina

Florina is a focal point for the implementation of many social programs, strengthening social cohesion in practice:

🔹 Minimum Guaranteed Income : Combines income support, social services and active employment policies. In 2024, 2,454 citizens benefited.

🔹 Community Centers : Two centers operate in Florina and Amyntaio, with the Florina Center also including a Roma Branch for their social integration.

🔹 School Meals : In the 2024-2025 school year, 1,453 meals are distributed daily to 30 primary schools in the area, with a budget of 723,158.10 euros.

🔹 Support for Welfare Structures : The Social Welfare Center of Western Macedonia was granted 100,000 euros from the Special State Lottery.

🔹 Pilot Program “Personal Assistant for People with Disabilities” : Five citizens in the Florina Regional Government participate in the program for independent living.

🔹 Housing Policy : In 2024, 684 applications for the housing allowance were approved, ranging from 70 to 210 euros per month, benefiting 1,789 people.

🔹 Demographic Support :

• Birth Allowance : 365 families were supported with 675,050 euros for the period 2023–2024, while 193 mothers for 2025 received a total of 279,750 euros.
• Child Benefit : Enhanced from 1.1.2025, 3,508 applications have been approved for 2024 (3,335,737.18 euros) and 2,709 applications until 30/4/2025 (852,656 euros).

🔹 Preschool Education & Creative Activities : Vouchers were granted to 956 children, ensuring equal access to quality structures.

🔹 Mountainous Areas Allowance : 322 applications were approved in the Region of Western Macedonia, with a grant of 158,700 euros.

🔹 Equality & Combating Gender-Based Violence : In Florina, a Counseling Center for women victims of violence operates, which has served 459 women since 2014.

🔹 Neighborhood Nannies : The program is being piloted in the Municipality of Florina, and will soon be expanded nationwide with a budget of 80 million euros.

“An inclusive society”

The Deputy Minister closed her speech by emphasizing:
“We are moving forward decisively, implementing our policies step by step, focusing on the family, equality, social protection and cohesion. For an inclusive society, with more opportunities for all.”

With these actions, Florina emerges as an example of the implementation of social policy centered on people, giving substantial content to the concepts of equality, inclusion and solidarity.