The authorities in Montejaque, keen to maintain a population in excess of 1,000 for financial reasons as well as help young families, has introduced its own ‘baby cheque’ system.
To qualify for the €500 cheque, both parents must be registered in the municipality, have been resident for one year and intend to remain in the town. This is to discourage a situation where people just come to the town to have a baby, collect the €500 and depart. All relevant documentation will be thoroughly checked before any payment is handed out.
There are currently 1,048 residents in Montejaque but only around ten babies are born each year. There are several women currently pregnant, although no payouts have yet been made.
The municipality is making this ‘baby cheque’ offer despite being heavily in debt.