Minister Görktaş Announces Measures to Tackle Declining Fertility Rates and Supports for Disabled
Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş addressed the decreasing fertility rates in Turkey, announcing various strategies to counter this trend during the press briefing held after the Cabinet Meeting led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex.
Responding to a journalist’s question about the decline in fertility rates reflected in TÜİK data, Minister Göktaş emphasized the critical importance of this issue for Turkey’s future. She highlighted that the government is working intensively on this matter.
“We discussed this issue in our Scientific Board meeting last week,” Göktaş said. “Our Family and Society Commission is working on a comprehensive report.”
Minister Göktaş pointed out ongoing consultations with relevant institutions and organizations, noting that the AK Party’s relevant bodies have been organizing workshops to evaluate the declining birth rates and develop recommendations.
“We are witnessing similar concerns globally regarding declining fertility rates and population risks,” she said. “We are examining global examples and developing multilayered policies from a broad perspective. We are considering various alternatives, including increasing maternity leave, supporting daycare and care processes, and implementing flexible and remote working options. We aim to eliminate the need for women to choose between their home and work life with new models that will also contribute to the country’s development and increase female employment. We will continue our policies under the newly established Directorate of Family and Population Policies.”
Göktaş also addressed a question regarding the reassessment of tax-free vehicle arrangements for the disabled, emphasizing that there have been numerous complaints and reports of abuse of the acquired rights of disabled people.
“We cannot stand by while supports and advantages for the disabled are abused,” Göktaş declared. “Rest assured, we will not implement any regulation that would harm our disabled citizens. We are working to ensure that they do not face any difficulties in purchasing vehicles and that their rights are fully preserved.”