Erdoğan warned, saying 'This is not a good sign': He gave instructions to the minister!

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered questions from journalists on the plane while returning to Turkey following the July 20 Peace and Freedom Day ceremonies held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. 

Drawing attention to the decline in fertility rates, Erdoğan assessed the issue by saying "it is not a good sign" and stated that the government is conducting a comprehensive study.

"OUR GOAL WAS VERY DIFFERENT"

In his statement evaluating the drop in the fertility rate to 1.48, Erdoğan said, "Currently, our Ministry of Family and Social Services is making an intense effort regarding this issue. Our fertility rate has now fallen below 1.5. This is not a good sign. We have come here from levels of three. However, our goal was very different."

ISSUED INSTRUCTIONS TO THE MINISTER

President Erdoğan stated that he has instructed the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, to intensify efforts to increase fertility rates. Erdoğan said, "We want to increase all our work on this issue. We are in search of how we can enter a recovery process by establishing contact with universities."

"POPULATION IS A STRATEGIC ISSUE"

Emphasizing that Turkey should approach the population issue from a strategic perspective, Erdoğan made the following assessments:

"As a government, we will continue to take steps to encourage population growth."

"There is potential in society to ensure an increase in fertility again with the right incentives."

"The Family and Population 10-Year program includes not only financial support but also socio-cultural projects that strengthen the institution of the family."

Stating that the steps taken in this field have continued without slowing down after 2025 was declared the "Year of the Family," President Erdoğan said, "Finally, we shared with the public the right to part-time workgranted to female and male civil servants after birth or adoption."