In response to declining birth rates in Lithuania, proposals including wedding bonuses and increased taxes on singles are being assessed by Professor Egidijus Kūris, who finds some suggestions outdated and immoral.
As Lithuania faces a significant drop in birth rates, it has sparked serious conversations about potential solutions to prevent national decline. Notably, the birth rate in Lithuania is declining at a faster pace than the average in the European Union, with only 18,000 children born last year compared to 60,000 during the early years of independence. Politicians, especially those aligned with right-wing and Christian ideologies, attribute this decline to the devaluation of marriage and family structures, arguing that the traditional family unit is no longer seen as a source of happiness among the younger population.
In this context, proposals have emerged suggesting financial incentives like bonuses for marriage and higher taxes for single individuals as means to encourage family formation. However, Professor Egidijus Kūris critiques these measures, labeling them as outdated and immoral. He believes that such ideas do not effectively address the underlying causes of demographic challenges, as they impose certain societal norms that do not resonate with current values, particularly among the youth.
This interview is part of a series that delves into the demographic issues facing Lithuania. As the country grapples with significant demographic shifts, the conversation around how best to respond becomes increasingly urgent. The insights provided by experts like Kūris reflect a broader discourse on how societal values, economic conditions, and government policies interact in shaping the demographic landscape of Lithuania.
