The regional government in Ilia, western Greece, has sparked widespread interest with an unusual and socially driven initiative announced during the traditional New Year’s cake-cutting ceremony of the Cultural Folklore Association of ‘Oleni’

Specifically, Giorgos Dimitropoulos, revealed that he will personally offer €1,000 from his own salary to every woman from the village who decides to remain permanently in ‘Oleni’ as well as to any woman who chooses to raise her children there.

According to Dimitropoulos, the initiative carries a clear social and developmental impact, aiming to strengthen the local community and counter rural depopulation.

The move seeks to support family life, motherhood, and young people in rural areas, and was warmly welcomed by those attending the event. Many praised it as a tangible example of social responsibility and solidarity, highlighting the role of local leadership in sustaining village life.