To combat Russia’s falling birth rate, President Vladimir Putin has urged people to take advantage of time off work to get pregnant. This unique approach is part of a broader strategy to address what officials call a demographic crisis, as Russia’s birth rate remains at approximately 1.5 children per woman. females – well below the 2.1 replacement rate needed to stabilize the population.
The proposal to encourage people to consider taking lunch and coffee breaks for informal meetings to increase birth rates has sparked widespread reactions on social media, ranging from amusement to confusion. The initiative reflects the Kremlin’s growing concern that traditional incentives such as tax breaks, cash bonuses for giving birth and tighter abortion restrictions have failed to successfully reverse the decline. decline.
Recent statistics show Russia recording its lowest birth rate in 25 years in early 2024, a trend made worse by economic instability, increased migration and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the urgency, noting the need for immediate and creative measures to combat this demographic slide.
Regional programs have introduced further measures to encourage intimacy in the workplace. For example, Chelyabinsk offers significant financial incentives for first children, while in Moscow, women are encouraged to have fertility tests. Prominent public figures and religious leaders increasingly emphasized the traditional role of the family, emphasizing women’s obligation to bear children as part of these efforts.
Public reaction on social media platforms was mixed. Some see the initiative as a quaint attempt to tackle a serious problem, while others criticize it as intrusive, questioning its practicality and ethical implications in a professional environment. Critics say that while the aim may be to increase the birth rate, the plan ignores the nuances of the modern workplace and individual autonomy.
The policy comes amid other demographic concerns, including an aging population and a shrinking workforce, that could have lasting effects on Russia’s economy and national security. . Putin’s proposal to increase the number of troops to 2.38 million, including 1.5 million active troops, highlights the urgency of these demographic challenges from a security perspective.
As Russia pursues these initiatives, global observers are interested in watching and comparing the country with other countries such as Japan and North Korea, which have taken similarly drastic steps. to address the falling birth rate.
