Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Russian Health Minister Yevgeny Shestopalov has proposed that Russians use their work breaks for intimate moments with their partners, as part of a broader effort to raise the country’s declining birth rate. The suggestion came during a recent interview on national television.
Shestopalov emphasized that waiting for the weekend is unnecessary, and there is no issue with engaging in procreation during weekdays work breaks.
“Being too busy with work is not a valid excuse,” he said, citing The Mirror.
He further elaborated, “Life moves fast, so you can use your break time for procreation,” echoing statements from an interview with Newsweek on Monday, September 23, 2024.
When asked about those who work long hours, often between 12 and 14 hours a day, Shestopalov simply responded, “Use your break time.”
The call comes amid Russia’s ongoing struggle with a historically low birth rate. According to Reuters, the country recorded its lowest birth rate in 25 years during the first half of 2024.
In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, reported that the country’s birth rate had dropped to just 1.4 children per woman, meaning most women have between one and two children. This rate, comparable to countries like Japan and other parts of Europe, has sparked concerns about the long-term future of the Russian population.
Complicating matters further, the ongoing war with Ukraine has led to significant emigration, putting additional strain on Russia’s population.
Increasing the birth rate has long been a top priority for President Putin, who described it as a national concern in February.
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“To sustain the Russian people, each family needs at least two children, but to grow the population, we need families to have three children,” Putin remarked.
The Russian government has already implemented several measures to encourage larger families, such as offering tax breaks and cash incentives.
(Ray)
