With RTL / ANP News·0 minutes ago·Modified: 0 minutes ago
RTL
Russia bans ‘propaganda’ for living without children, both in public and in private. A fine of up to 1 million rubles (over 9,200 euros) can be imposed for each violation.
President Vladimir Putin has signed a law on this. The law against the promotion of life without children was previously approved by parliament.
Its goal is to “protect young people from harmful influences,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Russian House of Commons. He believes that everything should be done to ensure that generations grow new ‘with traditional family values’. According to him, women’s decisions not to have children are not covered by the law.
The population of Russia is declining. That is why the country wants to increase the birth rate, which hit a 25-year low in the first half of 2024. In addition, more and more couples are canceling their family plans on because of the war in Ukraine. Russia had almost 149 million inhabitants in 1990. Now there are just under 144 million.
In Russia, in late 2022, images were shown on state television of Ukrainian children falling into the arms of their new Russian adoptive parents. But behind these cute images lies a sad truth. Many of these children were taken by Russia from occupied territory in Ukraine. RTL Nieuws made this video about that:
2024-11-23 19:47:00
#fine #euros #Russians #encourage #life #children
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## Interview: The Declining Birth Rate in Russia
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re diving deep into a concerning trend within Russia: the declining birth rate. To shed light on this issue, we’re joined by two distinguished experts: Dr. Anya Petrova, a sociologist specializing in Russian demographics, and Mr. Dimitri Ivanov, a political analyst with extensive knowledge of Russian society.
**Section 1: Understanding the Decline**
**Host:** Dr. Petrova, this article highlights a significant drop in Russia’s birth rate, reaching a 25-year low. What are some of the key factors driving this decline?
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me. This is indeed a complex issue with various contributing factors. We see a declining pool of women in childbearing age due to demographic shifts and increased female participation in the workforce. However, economic insecurity, exacerbated by factors like the Ukraine conflict, plays a significant role. Dr. Petrova, what impact is the economic situation having on family planning decisions?
**Host:** Mr. Ivanov, how does the current political climate contribute to this trend?
**Mr. Ivanov:** The political climate undoubtedly adds to the uncertainty people face regarding the future.
**Section 2: Putin’s Response and Controversy**
**Host:** The article mentions a new law criminalizing the “propaganda” of life without children. Dr. Petrov, what are your thoughts on this controversial measure?
**Dr. Petrova:** This law raises serious concerns about freedom of speech and individual choice. While the government aims to boost the birth rate, criminalizing alternative lifestyle choices seems a drastic and possibly counterproductive approach. It’s important to understand the underlying reasons for people choosing not to have children, rather than resorting to punitive measures.
**Host:** Mr. Ivanov, how do you see this law being received by the Russian population?
**Mr. Ivanov:**
This law has generated significant debate and criticism, with some viewing it as an intrusion upon personal liberty. It highlights the government’s increasing control over social norms and values.
**Section 3: Addressing the Issue:**
**Host:** Looking ahead, what strategies could be more effective in addressing Russia’s declining birth rate?
**Dr. Petrova:** A multifaceted approach is crucial. Addressing economic insecurity, providing access to affordable childcare, and promoting gender equality within Families are vital steps. Government policies should focus on creating an environment where individuals feel supported in making their own reproductive choices.
**Mr. Ivanov:** The government needs to foster an environment of trust and stability, which includes respecting individual freedoms and addressing the root causes of economic anxiety.
**Host:**
Thank you both for your insightful contributions to this important discussion. The declining birth rate in Russia raises complex questions about social, economic, and political factors. It’s crucial to continue examining these issues and exploring solutions that respect individual choice while promoting a sustainable future for Russian society.
