Lukashenko on child care benefits and boosting birth rates

The second topic is child care benefit payments.

Lukashenko: "For us not to disappear as a nation and to have people to work, we didn't invite people here—everything is simple, as two plus two: two parents, two children. This is the base, as the youth say. Better yet—three or more. Therefore, at the state level, we need to find an effective formula that will, first, revive demographic processes, second, motivate conscious motherhood and fatherhood, and make them a popular trend. Then we will preserve and increase our population."

To address demographic challenges, the Government proposes a fundamental revision of state support measures for families with children.

But before reaching a consensus, the following questions must be answered:

- Is there a guarantee that expanding financial incentives will actually boost birth rates?

- What does global experience show?

- Will strong state support have a long-term effect (5 years or more)?

- How will this impact the country's budget and economy?