Russia is considering implementing a tax on childlessness to address its declining birth rate, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed doubts about its efficacy. With only 1.264 million children born in 2023, the lowest since 1999, the country is facing demographic challenges. The proposed tax, suggested by Lieutenant General Andrey Gurulev, aims to use funds raised to modernize orphanages, reminiscent of a Soviet-era policy.
Peskov emphasized the need for experts to analyze the historical impact of such a tax before rushing through legislation. The original tax, in effect from 1941 to 1992 in the USSR, targeted individuals without children aged 20-50 and 20-45, with rates around 6% based on income. However, the revival of this tax has sparked debates among lawmakers, with some suggesting alternatives like a “tax on stupidity”.
Concerns have been raised about the potential psychological impact on young Russians and the importance of addressing financial obstacles to starting a family. State Duma Chair Vyacheslav Volodin advised caution to avoid alarming the population and uphold women’s rights to choose. The discussion around this tax continues in Russia amid efforts to stimulate population growth.