Domna Michailidou gave a comprehensive interview, referring to the expanded “Renovate – Rent” program, the “Neighborhood Nannies” program, and the daily developments regarding the OPEKEPE case. Speaking to ERTnews, Mrs. Michailidou said that the new “Renovate – Rent” program is expected to open in late May to early June. The new scheme will cover properties up to 120 square meters and will provide subsidies that can reach up to 90% of €36,000, depending on the household category. As she clarified, for certain groups, such as single-parent families, young couples, families with three children, large families, and households with disabilities, the subsidy will be increased.
Michailidou: When will the new “Renovate – Rent” program open and when will the “Neighborhood Nannies” platform launch
She explained that only a small portion of the total amount will be required for energy upgrading, while the larger part can be utilized for basic renovation interventions, such as kitchen, bathroom and other restoration work. According to what she mentioned, properties at least 20 years old that have remained closed for at least three years will be eligible for the program. Additionally, there will be the possibility of intervention in older houses where families already live, provided they are deemed non-viable in terms of habitability.
Regarding the “Neighborhood Nannies,” Mrs. Michailidou announced that the program will open after Easter. The program provides a monthly subsidy of €500 for childcare, with the mother’s individual income as the basic criterion. For one child, the limit is set at €24,000, for two children at €27,000, while for three children and above there will be no income limit. The minister noted that not only professional caregivers can register in the system, but also family members, such as grandparents, provided they meet the requirements, so that a social practice already widely applied in Greek families can be institutionally recognized.
Utilization of three inactive military camps
Furthermore, Mrs. Michailidou gave special emphasis to the utilization of three inactive military camps in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras, where, in cooperation with the Armed Forces, 2,300 social housing units will be built. As she said, funding for this specific plan reaches €400 million from European resources and is considered of key importance for substantially strengthening housing supply within urban fabric.
Special reference to social contribution
Also, Mrs. Michailidou referred to social contribution, noting that the necessary decisions are proceeding so that the first tenders can begin within 2026. As she explained, the State will utilize undeveloped plots and properties in areas such as Paiania, Larissa, Pyrgos and Kalamata, granting them to private parties under terms that will ensure that part of the housing to be erected will return to the State for social rental. The goal is for these new apartments to be made available with social rent to vulnerable groups, while simultaneously increasing the total stock of available housing in the market.
What she said about the possibility of early elections
In addition to all the above, Mrs. Michailidou also referred to recent developments regarding the case, emphasizing that the prime minister remains firm in his position that citizens’ daily life should not be disrupted by early elections. As she said, the mandate the government received is four years and must be completed with as many reforms and policies “with citizens and for citizens” as possible. She clarified that she considers it politically and institutionally correct to complete the governmental cycle, noting that the country must proceed smoothly on critical issues, such as the Recovery Fund, as well as preparation against energy and inflationary pressures that may intensify in winter.
OPEKEPE is an unpleasant and serious matter
Referring to the case file concerning OPEKEPE and the political figures allegedly involved, Domna Michailidou admitted that it is an unpleasant and serious matter, which, however, as she said, is connected to chronic pathologies that exceed a single political cycle. She emphasized that the government has already proceeded with structural intervention, essentially integrating management into a more transparent and digital framework through AADE, so that the distribution of European funds no longer takes place “by human hand.”
The minister clarified that, where required, immunity should be lifted for everyone, noting that the government has consistently chosen the line of transparency since 2019. She also added that some cases may be archived, while others may have a criminal dimension, which will be decided by the judicial process.
Kostas Karamanlis’s decision is a personal choice
Also, commenting on Kostas Karamanlis’s decision not to seek citizens’ votes again, Mrs. Michailidou said it is a personal choice, which probably relates to the weight of political developments in recent years. She clarified that, in her estimation, it is not a central directive, but his own decision.
