22.07.2025 12:02
President Erdoğan, who describes the decline in the fertility rate to 1.48 as a "disaster" at every opportunity, stated in his latest remarks on the subject, "This is not a good sign. We came from levels of 3. Our goal was very different. But as of now, we are not in a good place."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions on the plane on the way back after the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day ceremonies held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
"THIS IS NOT A GOOD SIGN"
Emphasizing that the fertility rate falling below 1.5 is a dangerous threshold, which he has described as "an existential threat, a disaster," Erdoğan stated, "This is not a good sign. We came from triple levels to this point. However, our goal was very different. But as of now, we are not in a good place."
INSTRUCTION TO MINISTER GÖKTAŞ
Stating that the Ministry of Family and Social Services is making intense efforts regarding the issue, Erdoğan expressed that he instructed Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş to increase the efforts. "We want to increase all our efforts regarding this issue. Let's get in touch with all universities," Erdoğan said, calling for a mobilization for social awareness. Erdoğan stated that within the scope of the "Family and Population 10 Years," not only financial incentives but also sociocultural projects aimed at strengthening the family institution will be implemented.
PART-TIME WORKING APPLICATION
Erdoğan also shared with the public that female and male civil servants are granted the right to work part-time after childbirth or adoption. It was emphasized that this regulation is part of policies that support family structure.
ERDOĞAN HAD SAID "IT IS AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT"
In a statement he made a few months ago regarding the issue, President Erdoğan said, "We are below the renewal threshold of 2.1 for the population. This, I openly say, is an existential threat for Turkey, a disaster. The current situation has become intolerable for our country. We have been continuously recommending 3 children because we saw this picture. We have faced criticism many times due to our recommendation. Unfortunately, time has proven us right in our predictions. The importance of our call for at least 3 children is better understood today. We need to realize one thing: the population is our greatest strength as a nation, and we must protect it."