Greek political party ELAS has criticized the government over its childcare support program after final results showed nearly one in two children were excluded from center vouchers.
In a statement issued by its Social Policy sector, the party denounced the final allocation of vouchers for Creative Activities Centres for Children, known as KDAP. The party argued that the outcome exposed the true nature of government commitments to supporting Greek households.
Targeting Deputy Social Cohesion and Family Minister Domna Michailidou, referencing her public declaration that she serves as the minister of every family, ELAS said true family support must be demonstrated through concrete actions rather than political rhetoric.
To fix the program, ELAS called for an immediate allocation of additional state funds, a comprehensive revision of existing household income criteria, and targeted welfare provisions specifically tailored for single-parent families, families with three children, and large families with four or more children.
Demands for funding and policy reform
In Greece, KDAP facilities offer after-school educational, artistic, and athletic activities for children aged four to twelve, helping working parents balance employment and family life. Vouchers are awarded annually through state and European funding to subsidize fees for low-income and working parents at municipal and private care centers.
Alongside general childcare provisions, ELAS stressed that it is imperative to substantially reinforce and expand specialized Creative Activities Centres for Children and Persons with Disabilities, known as KDAP AMEA, across the entire country.
The party placed particular emphasis on strengthening services across Greece's regional provinces outside major metropolitan areas. It argued that children, adults with disabilities, and their families deserve equal access to necessary care structures regardless of where they live.
Equal regional access for disabled citizens
KDAP AMEA facilities play a vital role in local Greek communities by offering daily therapeutic engagement, specialized care, and social integration activities for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, while providing essential respite for caregiving families.
ELAS concluded its statement by insisting that public social policy must be treated as a fundamental right. The party declared that access to essential family support programs cannot depend on household income levels or geographic postal codes.
