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According to Turkish media, the Greek government recently launched an initiative to encourage internal migration to the Türkiye border region, specifically targeting rural areas of Orestiada (Kumciftligi), Soufli (Sofulu), and Didymoteicho (Dimetoka) municipalities in the Evros (Meric) region.
The aim was to combat declining population numbers and strengthen the demographic structure of these areas.
The government offered €10,000 (approximately $11.2K) to citizens willing to settle in these regions. However, the plan failed to gain significant interest among the Greek public.
Orestiada Mayor Diamantis Papadopoulos noted that while the program initially sparked some interest, this enthusiasm quickly waned.
Papadopoulos explained that most applicants had family ties to the region and were merely exploring the possibility of returning.
"This is not a magical solution. It should be part of a broader development policy," he stated. Soufli Mayor Panagiotis Kalakikos echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the need for job creation and further incentives.
"If there are no jobs, no one will come for nearly $11.2K. We need a support plan including investment, tax incentives, and employment opportunities," he added.
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