While demography drops drastically in Russia, Vladimir Putin tries by all means to encourage women to make children. Even if it means putting in place absurd measures.
In 2023, the fertility rate of Russia was estimated at 1.4 children per woman of prosecuted age: it is 20 % less than in 2015. To this drop in birth is added the aging of the population and the human losses caused by the war in Ukraine. Last year, deaths even exceeded births of more than half a million, according to “The Atlantic”. The demographic crisis is such that the country has decided to carry out an intensive – and guilty – campaign – to encourage more children, earlier.
Bonuses for pregnant high school girls
The objective targeted by Vladimir Putin? At least three children per woman. The youngest are particularly targeted by this natalist policy. The Ministry of Education would reflect on the means to create “conditions conducive to romantic relationships” in schools.
Several regions have thus implemented financial premiums for students and pregnant high school girls. It amounts to 100,000 rubles (around € 1,100) in the Orel region, when the average monthly salary is around 89,000 rubles according to the Trading Economics site. Another initiative: in March, giant pink banners, on which passers -by could …
