MHP presents population vision report to address demographic decline

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has presented a research report titled ‘Türkiye’s Population Vision’ to Party Leader Devlet Bahçeli. The report characterizes the declining population growth rate and the aging trend of the Turkish population as a ‘national survival issue.’

Data within the report indicates that Turkey's total fertility rate has dropped from 2.38 in 2001 to 1.44 in 2025, remaining below the replacement level of 2.10 for nine consecutive years. While the total population grew from 70.6 million in 2007 to 86.1 million in 2025, the annual growth rate reached historic lows in 2023.

To address these trends, the MHP proposed an 11-point policy package. Key recommendations include providing zero-interest, long-term housing and vehicle loans to families with three or more children. Other proposals include 50% discounts on utility bills (electricity, natural gas, water, and internet) for such families, full income tax exemptions for households with at least three children, and increased education and food allowances. The report also suggests extended parental leave, including 12 months for mothers in the public sector.