In this article, Mark Gortfelder highlights the alarming trend in Estonia's demographic situation where the number of live births has fallen significantly. In 2025, preliminary data suggests only 9,092 babies were born, a stark contrast to over 14,000 at the end of the previous decade. This steep decline indicates a troubling demographic shift that could have long-lasting effects on society and the economy.

The article further elaborates that in the same year, Estonia recorded 15,427 deaths, resulting in a negative natural population growth of -6,335 individuals. Such data emphasized the critical imbalance between births and deaths, which presents a grave challenge for the nation. Gortfelder underscores that during the late 2010s, the number of deaths only slightly exceeded births by approximately 1,300, indicating that the demographic decline has accelerated dramatically within a short span.

Gortfelder's examination raises concerns over the validity of comforting arguments regarding the population situation in Estonia. With falling birth rates and rising mortality rates, he questions the sustainability of current demographic policies and urges for reevaluation to address the impending population crisis, as these trends could have significant implications on labor, pension systems, and societal structure in Estonia.