MHP prepares 11-point population report against decline in fertility rate

The MHP has prepared an 11-point "Turkey's Population Vision" report regarding the slowdown in population growth and the decline in the fertility rate in Turkey.

MHP Deputy Chairman Özgür Bayraktar announced on his social media account that they had presented the report, prepared by the Unit Responsible for Research and Strategy Development, to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli.

Stating that the report offers a comprehensive perspective on Turkey's demographic future, Bayraktar expressed his hope that the study would "contribute to the country achieving a strong and sustainable population structure."

A NATIONAL SURVIVAL ISSUE

The report emphasized that the population is not viewed merely as an economic or statistical indicator; rather, a qualified and dynamic workforce is decisive for the power of states and the future of nations.

The MHP report stated that the decline in the fertility rate and the aging trend in Turkey are not considered an "ordinary demographic change" but rather a "national survival issue."

According to the data in the report, the total fertility rate in Turkey was at the level of 2.38 children in 2001, but it has declined continuously since 2014, falling to 1.44 children in 2025. The same assessment noted that this rate has remained below 2.10, which is accepted as the replacement level for the population, for the last 9 years.

The report noted that while Turkey's population was 70.6 million in 2007, it rose to 86.1 million in 2025; however, it was recorded that the annual population growth rate has slowed significantly, falling to 1.1 per thousand in 2023, one of the lowest levels in history.

PROMINENT PROPOSALS IN THE REPORT

Among the MHP's 11-point policy proposals were the reorganization of maternity insurance by including it within the scope of long-term insurance branches, and the gradual reduction of premium day and age requirements for mothers' retirement based on the number of children.

The report proposed that the income tax collected from working mothers and fathers be reduced gradually depending on the number of children; and that income tax be completely abolished for families with three or more children.

Increasing paid maternity leave to 12 months for each child for mothers working in the public sector, and to 2 months for fathers, were also among the topics included in the report.

It was proposed that education and food allowances be provided starting from the third child, and that one-time, zero-interest, long-term housing and vehicle loans be provided to families with three or more children.

The report also requested that a 50 percent discount be applied to electricity, natural gas, water, and internet services for families with three or more children, and that flexible and remote working models be made permanent for mothers.

The production of diapers and baby formula in a healthy and safe manner and providing them to families for free as needed were also among the proposals.

Under the heading of rural life, it was proposed that housing allocation and agriculture and livestock incentives be provided to young married couples who want to migrate from the city to the countryside, and that internet, education, health, and social life opportunities in villages be brought closer to urban standards.

News Source: 12punto