Russia Debates Tax On Childlessness For Single Men

In recent discussions, the idea of introducing a tax on childlessness for single men in Russia has resurfaced, igniting a heated debate among politicians and the public. This proposal, initially presented by former State Duma deputy Viktor Taranin at the Moscow Economic Forum, suggests imposing a 20% tax on the salaries of men who remain childless and unmarried. Taranin emphasized that the country is facing a demographic crisis, with nearly 30 million single men who he believes need encouragement to start families.

During his speech, Taranin referred to the current demographic situation as requiring "radical measures," pointing out that according to the 2021 census, almost 42% of households in Russia consist of a single individual. He labeled these individuals as "egoists," arguing that their lifestyle choices contribute to the country's declining birth rate.

However, the State Duma has made it clear that it does not plan to consider such a tax. Svetlana Bessarab, a member of the State Duma Committee on Labor, Social Policy, and Veterans Affairs, stated that a similar tax was implemented in the Soviet Union but failed to achieve its intended goals. "Citizens who, for various reasons, including health, could not have children were forced to pay this tax, but it did not lead to an increase in births," she explained.

Bessarab emphasized that the focus should be on changing societal attitudes toward childbearing rather than imposing punitive measures. The government's current strategy revolves around supporting families with children through various benefits and social guarantees, rather than penalizing those who choose not to have children.

Critics of the tax proposal have voiced concerns over its fairness and practicality. Sergei Maiorov, head of the Council of Fathers in the Novosibirsk region, acknowledged the need for measures to boost the birth rate but stressed that the proposal requires significant refinement. He pointed out that many individuals who cannot have children may desire them greatly, raising ethical questions about taxing those unable to fulfill societal expectations.

Moreover, Maiorov questioned the allocation of funds generated from such a tax, wondering whether they would genuinely address demographic issues or be diverted elsewhere. He suggested alternative approaches, such as developing private housing to create family-friendly environments, as studies indicate that families in private homes tend to have more children.

Andrei Andreev, a public figure and father of several children, echoed these sentiments, arguing that reproductive decisions are influenced by a multitude of factors beyond economic pressure. He criticized the notion of taxing individuals who are either physically unable to have children or simply unlucky in their personal lives. Andreev underscored the importance of improving the overall quality of life for families, including education and healthcare, as a more effective means of addressing the declining birth rate.

Former deputy Taranin's proposal is not the first of its kind. Last fall, another State Duma deputy, Andrei Gurulev, suggested using revenue from a childlessness tax to fund orphanages. Additionally, Alexei Zubets, director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research, has also called for a tax targeting men over 35, proposing a fee of 40,000 rubles for families without children.

As the debate continues, prominent political figures have urged caution. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma, labeled the idea of a childlessness tax as an "extreme measure" and advised against alarming the public with radical solutions. Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for President Vladimir Putin, also expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of such a tax in solving demographic issues.

Despite the controversy surrounding the proposal, Taranin remains adamant that the tax could serve as a form of "public alimony," redistributing wealth from single men to families with children. He argued that the current financial burden of raising a child, estimated at around 60,000 rubles per month, necessitates innovative funding solutions.

While Taranin's suggestions have garnered applause from some forum attendees, the broader consensus among lawmakers and social experts appears to lean towards alternative strategies for addressing Russia's demographic challenges. The focus, they argue, should shift from punitive measures to supportive policies that encourage family growth and improve living conditions for all citizens.

As discussions about the tax on childlessness continue to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these proposals and whether any new measures will be implemented to tackle the pressing issue of declining birth rates in Russia.