First meeting after President Erdoğan's 'disaster' comment: Date has been set

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had described the decline in Turkey's birth rate as "an existential threat, a disaster for Turkey." The High Board of Population Policies, established under the Ministry of Family and Social Services, will meet for the first time on January 9 under the chairmanship of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz to discuss the topics of Population and Demographic Changes, Population Policies, and the Family and Youth Fund.

ESTABLISHED ON DECEMBER 24

In this context, following the proposal of Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to establish a "High Board of Population Policies" to carry out efforts aimed at protecting and strengthening the family and increasing its social welfare, the board was established within the Ministry on December 24, 2024.

FIRST MEETING ON THURSDAY

The Board, which will consist of relevant ministries, the Presidency of Religious Affairs, the Turkish Statistical Institute, universities, and related organizations under the Ministry of Family and Social Services, will hold its first meeting on Thursday, January 9, under the chairmanship of Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. The meeting will address the topics of Population and Demographic Changes, Population Policies, and the Family and Youth Fund.

The rising age of marriage is seen as one of the most important reasons for the low population. The Ministry has implemented the Family and Youth Fund to encourage individuals toward marriage and the institution of the family.

Through the fund, interest-free loans of 150 thousand liras are offered to newlywed couples in designated pilot provinces. The Board will discuss expanding this support nationwide and developing new work models to ensure that women are not forced to choose between their daily lives and their professional careers.

The Board, which will meet at regular intervals under the chairmanship of Cevdet Yılmaz, will review Turkey's population policies and discuss the necessary steps to accelerate population growth.

News Source: 12punto