In a bid to combat declining birth rates and address concerns about Turkey’s aging population, President Erdogan’s government has launched a new family support program. The initiative, approved by parliament, introduces financial incentives for newborns, offering a one-off payment of 5,000 lira (approximately £105) for the first child. Furthermore, families will receive 1,500 lira (around £32) monthly for the second child and a more substantial 5,000 lira monthly for the third.
The program aims to counteract a demographic trend that poses potential threats to Turkey’s social and economic stability. Declining birth rates are a growing concern in many developed and developing nations, and Turkey is no exception. The government hopes that these financial incentives will encourage families to have more children, thus rebalancing the population pyramid.
While the initiative has been met with cautious optimism, questions remain about its long-term effectiveness. Some experts argue that financial incentives alone may not be sufficient to reverse the trend. Factors such as the rising cost of living, limited access to childcare, and women’s increasing participation in the workforce also play significant roles in family planning decisions.
It is important to note other issues happening in Turkey. A mass trial has commenced in Istanbul for 189 individuals, including students, journalists, and lawyers, who protested the detention and subsequent arrest of the Istanbul mayor, and social media platform Bluesky has restricted access to 72 accounts in Turkey due to government pressure.
Time will tell whether Erdogan’s “baby bonus” will achieve its intended goal. The success of the program will depend not only on the financial incentives offered but also on addressing the broader social and economic factors that influence family planning decisions in Turkey. As the program unfolds, it will be closely watched as a case study in population policy and its potential impact on national demographics and economic well-being.
