When it comes to boosting birth rates, some Russian lawmakers think a drastic move—like taxing people who don’t have kids—might do the trick.
But not everyone’s on board with that idea.
In fact, one senior politician says it’s a dangerous throwback that would only cause more harm than good.
A Controversial Suggestion Sparks Debate
The idea came from retired Lieutenant General Andrey Gurulyov, who recently floated the notion of a “dignified retirement tax” aimed at childless citizens.
The idea, he said, came out of a conversation with former Zabaykalsky Krai governor Ravil Geniatulin, who questioned why the state should be responsible for supporting elderly people who “left no offspring behind.”
Gurulyov bluntly put it like this: “When you’re old and infirm? No one needs you, you left no one behind.
So why should the state carry this burden? Then pay a tax for a dignified retirement if you don’t want children.”
“This Is Not the Solution,” Says Bessarab
That suggestion didn’t sit well with Svetlana Bessarab, a member of the State Duma’s Committee on Labor, Social Policy, and Veterans’ Affairs.
Speaking to Pravda.Ru, she dismissed the idea as deeply flawed—and downright unconstitutional.
Bessarab made it clear that punishing people for not having children is not only unfair, but also a step backward to failed Soviet-era policies.
A Painful Reminder of the Past
She reminded everyone that a similar “childlessness tax” actually existed in the Soviet Union, and it caused real hardship—especially for those who had medical reasons for not having children or those who remained single for personal or financial reasons.
“We had that tax before,” she said, “and the people it hurt most were often those who couldn’t help their situation.
This kind of policy ends up targeting the most vulnerable.”
Focus on Supporting Families, Not Penalizing Others
Rather than punishing people without children, Bessarab believes the government should be looking in the opposite direction—providing more support to families who do choose to have kids.
“I absolutely believe a childlessness tax should never be introduced,” she stated firmly. “It doesn’t solve the problem.
What we need is encouragement and real assistance for families—not more financial pressure on people who may already be struggling.”
Can a Punitive Tax Really Boost Birth Rates?
The bigger question here is whether punishing the childless would actually result in more babies being born.
Bessarab says no. According to her, demographic growth needs positive incentives, not threats or shame.
“Let’s build systems that make raising children easier,” she added.
“Let’s invest in better childcare, parental support, and financial help for young families.”
Final Thoughts: Build Up, Don’t Tear Down
At the heart of this debate is a fundamental disagreement about how to address Russia’s population decline.
Gurulyov sees childlessness as a social burden that deserves a financial penalty.
Bessarab, on the other hand, sees it as a complex issue that demands compassion, not punishment.
Her message is clear: a childlessness tax would only deepen inequality and do nothing to solve the root causes of Russia’s demographic problems.