Erdoğan Warns of “Demographic Catastrophe”, Bashes LGBTQ+
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Speaking at the International Family Forum in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared a demographic state of emergency, calling Turkey’s fertility rate — which has dropped to 1.48 — a “disaster.” He announced that the period from 2026 to 2035 will be designated as the “Decade of Family and Population,” during which the state will implement far-reaching policies to reinforce the traditional family model in all areas of life, from education to urban planning.
“Fertility Rate at 1.48 Is a Catastrophe”
Erdoğan warned that Turkey’s birthrate has fallen well below the 2.1 replacement level, calling the trend “alarming for national survival.” He rejected the argument that economic hardship alone was to blame, noting that past generations maintained higher fertility rates despite lower income levels.
“This decline is not due to the economy, as the opposition claims. It’s about cultural erosion and the triumph of consumerist, comfort-driven lifestyles over collective and traditional values.”
A Global Crisis of the Family Structure
Erdoğan argued that what’s happening in Turkey is part of a global pattern of demographic decline and family breakdown, exacerbated by globalization, digitalization, and what he described as “cultural imperialism.”
“The family unit is under systematic attack. Cultural imperialism is attempting to hack the institution of family and eliminate the bonds of love, sharing, and solidarity.”
He specifically criticized movements and ideologies promoting gender fluidity, calling them “a threat to humanity, to women, to children, and to human dignity.”
Harsh Rhetoric on Gender Politics
Erdoğan condemned what he referred to as the “genderless agenda,” saying that global elites and multinational corporations are pushing ideological projects that aim to “dismantle human nature.”
“People are being lynched just for criticizing LGBT ideology. Artists, businessmen, scientists, and politicians are being silenced. This is ideological tyranny disguised as tolerance.”
He claimed that “de-gendering” campaigns are not only destroying family values but are also harming children through irreversible medical interventions. Erdoğan framed this as a human rights crisis and a moral fight for the future of civilization.
New Family Policies and Cash Incentives
To reverse the population decline, Erdoğan highlighted recent government efforts such as the Family and Youth Fund, which provides marriage and childbirth support. He announced that on May 28, the government will distribute 1.2 billion TL in childbirth support payments to over 160,000 households.
“We’re building a policy framework that incentivizes large families and eases the path to marriage and parenthood.”
He also reiterated the long-standing “three children per family” call and mentioned that 2025 would be designated the “Year of the Family.”
2026–2035: Decade of Family and Population
Looking ahead, Erdoğan unveiled a national initiative called the “Family and Population 10-Year Strategy,” which will see a comprehensive rollout of family-centered reforms.
“From education and business to social policy and tech, we’ll put the family at the center of all our plans. Strong families mean a strong nation.”
Family as the Last Bastion Against Globalism
Framing the family as a cultural fortress against global pressures, Erdoğan said that Turkey’s social resilience depends on protecting the traditional nuclear family.
“Family is our most sacred institution. It’s the reason we’ve stood strong for centuries on these lands. And it will carry us into the future — the Turkish Century.”
Final Message to the World
Erdoğan concluded by expressing hope that the joint declaration issued at the forum — attended by 26 countries — will resonate globally, especially within the United Nations. He called on like-minded nations to collaborate in defending the family unit from ideological and cultural threats.
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