A Russian politician has caused a public uproar after suggesting that women in the town of Tarusa should wear miniskirts more often in the summer to help increase the country’s birth rate. Evgeny Rudenko, a deputy from the Liberal Democratic Party, made the controversial remark on social media, claiming that such attire would attract young men, leading to more marriages and ultimately boosting Russia’s demographics.
“Local deputies request that Tarusa women wear miniskirts more often on sunny days to boost Russia’s demographics,” Rudenko wrote in a post on Monday. His comment quickly triggered backlash, with many accusing him of sexism and trivializing the country’s demographic challenges.
Amid the growing criticism, Rudenko later attempted to clarify his statement, claiming it was intended as a lighthearted joke inspired by the good weather. However, he defended the underlying sentiment, arguing that women’s fashion choices play a role in social interactions that could lead to family formation. “Short skirts lure young men, leading to marriage and children,” he insisted.
The remark drew condemnation from political figures, including Nina Ostanina, head of the State Duma Committee on Family, Women, and Children. Ostanina dismissed Rudenko’s statement as inappropriate and urged him to focus on real policy solutions instead of commenting on women’s clothing.
Rudenko’s comments come at a time when Russia is grappling with a serious demographic crisis. In 2023, the country recorded its lowest birth rate since 1999, with experts predicting a further decline in the coming years. Russia’s population has been shrinking for decades, dropping from 149 million in 1993 to 144 million in 2023.
To combat this issue, the Russian government has implemented various policies aimed at encouraging childbirth, including increased financial incentives for families, the promotion of traditional family values, and a ban on content that promotes a “child-free” lifestyle. Some lawmakers have even proposed controversial measures such as taxing childlessness, requiring employers to monitor birth rates among staff, and releasing female prisoners in exchange for childbirth.
Despite these efforts, the birth rate continues to fall, raising concerns about the long-term effects on the country’s workforce and economy. According to Russia’s statistics agency Rosstat, the birth rate is expected to start recovering in 2028, but for now, the debate over how to address the population crisis remains heated.
