HÜDA PAR's Women's Branch Head, Sema Yarar, has sparked debate by urging a revision of the civil code.

"A new civil law that is compatible with our own reality and values should be enacted," Yarar declared, "by abandoning legal regulations of Western origin that undermine the family institution."

Yarar emphasized the critical role of families and young people in building a strong nation. "The family institution and the younger generation are the cornerstone of our future," she stated. "If we aim for a strong and progressing country in terms of its economy and social life, it should be acknowledged that this relies on strengthening the family institution."

Yarar expressed concerns about recent statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK). "According to the research," she pointed out, "the continuous decrease in the average household size over the years is worrying for the family institution and consequently for Türkiye's future. TÜİK's 2023 birth statistics indicate that the total fertility rate in Türkiye has reached its lowest recorded level."

Yarar blamed a combination of misguided family policies and economic hardship for making it difficult for young people to start families.  "As President Erdogan also pointed out," she argued, "the current situation, which is concerning, has become intolerable. However, if this rhetorical sensitivity is not supported by correct policies, this negative situation will reflect on our future as a major problem."

Yarar believes that past policies based on imported Western concepts and a secular lifestyle are incompatible with Turkish social fabric. "Imported laws and practices from the West," she asserted, "have indeed undermined the institution of the family." Yarar proposed a new civil code rooted in Turkish values to address these issues.

"The economy and social life of a country are indexed to its young population," Yarar explained. "The young population is the primary agent of production. If the proportion of this population decreases, regardless of the country's sources of wealth, the country cannot progress or produce."

Yarar also called for increased support for young couples and families. "Marriages should be facilitated," she urged. "Financial and spiritual support should be provided to young families and those who are about to establish new families. Support for childbirth and childcare should be provided to all women, without discrimination between working and non-working women." She emphasized the need to improve existing programs and provide social benefits specifically for mothers.

"It should be understood that if we aim for a strong and progressing country in terms of its economy and social life, this relies on strengthening the institution of the family,” She concluded. (ILKHA)