ISTANBUL — On Monday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially launched Turkey’s “Year of the Family,” accompanied by criticism of the LGBTQ+ community and a series of proposals aimed at increasing the country’s birth rates.

Erdogan emphasized the belief that a robust family foundation is essential for a stable nation. He introduced various financial incentives designed to assist young families in their growth and development. This initiative ties into recurring themes from his previous statements, wherein he positions the LGBTQ+ movement as part of an external conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Turkish society.

Speaking to an audience in Ankara, Erdogan expressed that it is a collective duty to shield children and young people from “harmful trends and immoral ideologies.” He described neoliberal cultural influences as invasive, asserting that they facilitate the rise of LGBTQ+ movements.

He characterized policies advocating gender neutralization—where LGBTQ+ issues are highlighted—as direct attacks on the family unit. Erdogan suggested that any criticism of LGBTQ+ topics is swiftly suppressed, much like criticisms of Zionism, claiming that those who support traditional family values face severe intimidation.

Although the LGBTQ+ community in Turkey remains on the fringes, they have increasingly become a focal point of governmental scrutiny and hostility in recent years. Pride events have been prohibited since 2015, with participants often met with police force, including tear gas. In contrast, anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrations have been encouraged and supported by state authorities.

In addressing Turkey’s declining population growth, Erdogan voiced concerns over what he termed the nation was “losing blood.” He referenced his long-standing advocacy for families to have a minimum of three children, while highlighting trends like delayed marriages and climbing divorce rates as significant issues. The country’s annual population growth rate has plummeted from 2.53% in 2015 to only 0.23% last year.

Erdogan warned that without appropriate actions, the situation could progress to a point of no return. He stated that population decline would become unavoidable if necessary measures are not implemented. In response to what he views as threats to family integrity, he outlined a range of new policies, including interest-free loans for newly married couples, increased financial benefits for new parents, support in terms of guidance and housing for emerging families, and affordable childcare options.