Russian MP Evgeny Fyodorov, a member of the State Duma (lower house of parliament) proposed restoring taxation on childless people to promote population growth.
This tax program dates back to the Soviet era, was adopted during World War II and existed until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The tax applies to men aged 20-50 and married women aged 20-45.
(Artwork: RT)
“We must encourage childbearing”, Mr. Evgeny Fyodorov told Moscow Speaks radio station. The United Russia party MP added that revenue from this tax could be used to fund welfare programs to help families with children.
“Should we impose taxes for this reason? If we don't have enough money for the projects as mentioned, we should do so." Russian lawmakers commented. He talk that “it is not a punishment but a solution to the problem.”
Over the years, Russian politicians and officials have proposed similar ideas, but those measures have not received complete approval.
Another lawmaker, Svetlana Bessarab said that this tax would be “discrimination against childless people”, , and “really a punishment, whatever we call it.”
The world population is currently about 8,1 billion people, of which Russia's population is about 144,7 million people. Russia's population size is predicted to decrease significantly until 2050.
In 2023, China - the world's second most populous country (after being surpassed by India) will also record its first population decline in 60 years. Many other countries, especially in Europe and Asia, will also see population declines in the coming decades, according to forecasts published by the United Nations.
According to euronews, There are many reasons behind this decline, including some that are unique to each country, but all are due to low fertility rates, meaning that on average women are having fewer children than before. Other reasons include war and migrations.
According to the World Bank, fertility rates between 1,2 and 1,6 children per woman are recorded in southern and eastern European countries. Meanwhile, a birth rate above 2 is necessary to keep the population stable.
Japan lost more than 3 million people from 2011 to 2021.
Phuong Anh (Source: RT, Euronews)
