“There are always unpopular measures in stock” – Kommersant FM

The State Duma proposed reform of maternity capital. In particular, we are talking about paying compensation for the first child to mothers under 25-30 years of age. Currently there are no age restrictions for receiving such support. The changes are proposed to be introduced from 2026. There are other initiatives aimed at stimulating the birth rate. Kommersant FM political commentator Dmitry Drize considers the problem of demography practically unsolvable.

Deputies of the State Duma decided to contribute to the fight to improve demographics. The “Family Committee” of the lower house, which, by the way, from now on intends to protect not only the values ​​of the exemplary Russian family, women, children, but also fathers, proposes to change the procedure for issuing maternity capital. The information is still unofficial, but traditionally close to the truth.

We are talking about paying financial compensation for the first child to mothers no older than 25-30 years old. It is also possible that they will pay extra only for the second child. However, all this is not now, but after 2026. Today the budget has already been drawn up. The corresponding proposals seem to have already been sent to the government for approval.

We won’t analyze all this thoroughly, if only because we still have to live until 2026. But there really is a problem. The government is closely involved in this issue, measures are being taken, but, unfortunately, the Russian people do not want to have offspring. As a result, the total fertility rate is steadily going down, and this is a complete disgrace. The indicators don’t add up—the bosses obviously won’t approve of this.

Recently there were hearings in the Duma – angry voices were heard, saying that at the age of 20 you need to reproduce, but they, you see, have cats and dogs. They feel uncomfortable. It is necessary to explain right from school that sex life is not pleasure, but in fact a state matter. Boys are not only future soldiers, but also fathers. It’s clear with girls.

Meanwhile, Russians rushed to buy contraceptives – sellers are recording record revenue. As you know, there is an intention to streamline all this as well. We won’t decipher it – it’s clear why such measures are being taken. Really, what should we do? Should young people be prohibited from having animals?

However, now is no time for jokes. By the way, there are always unpopular measures in stock – the Soviet experience teaches us this. For example, the tax on childlessness. Although it seems that many will think that it is better to pay so that they leave you behind, the family will in any case cost more. Actually, why not joke? Because all this is fraught with a change in the national composition of Russian regions. Migrants arrive, receive citizenship, and give birth, many children at once.

And not only do they not give birth, but some also leave. And those who want to return are threatened with being sent to Magadan to work.

Yes, apparently, maternity capital, no matter how you adjust it, will absolutely not help in any way, just as the tax does not affect childlessness. Don’t force it. Be that as it may, we are watching and waiting for the next interesting offers. Reducing odds is a serious matter. Drastic measures are required here.

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