Editorial Ta Nea: Contributing to society

Greek political parties when they refer to refugees choose to appeal to the emotions of voters.

Refugees are either depicted as a threat to ethnic purity or as a group that deserves pity.

Almost no one speaks about them by appealing to the logic of the electorate. In other word, no one highlights the potential contribution of these people in strengthening the productive base of the country.

There are many jobs and positions that are no longer attractive for Greek citizens that could be filled by refugees to the benefit of the Greek economy and the refugees themselves, as that would increase the likelihood of their integration in the social whole.

The truth be told, our politicians are saying nothing different from the majority of their European colleagues on the migration issue.

Yet, certain “heretical” voices in Europe maintain that the entire continent will in the future need many migrants if it is to reverse two trends that endanger the EU’s economic survival, the ageing of its population, and the shrinking of the work force.

Projections based on the data are rather ominous. By 2100 it is projected that the EU will have 30 million fewer citizens and that it will likely not have enough workers for its hospitals, hotels, and factories. Hence, states will not easily come up with the funds needed to pay pensions.

Greece is no exception. Therefore, we must seriously discuss solutions that refugees may provide for the productive process.