A powerful Polish politician sparked fresh controversy by drawing a link between what he said was excessive drinking among young women and the countrys low birth rate.
Jaroslaw Kaczynski, leader of the ruling Law & Justice party, made the comment at a meeting with voters late on Saturday in Elk, northeastern Poland.
It was just the latest in a string of recent broadsides by Kaczynski at targets as varied as Polands opposition, its transgender community and Germany. Hes been touring small towns to bolster support for his party ahead of the general elections expected in October 2023.
Were not going to see any babies if girls, young women, continue to drink like their equals until theyre 25, Kaczynski, 73, who has never married and has no children, said to laughter from the audience.
The fewest children in Poland are in Warsaw, so its not only an economic issue, but also a certain attitude of people, especially women, he added.
Polands fertility rate has been below the European Unions average and the country last year saw its steepest population drop since World War II. At the same time, the data show more children are now born to women from urban regions including Warsaw.
Women on average drink significantly less than men, according to the governments agency for the prevention of alcohol-related problems. About 10% of Polish women aged 18 to 29 drink more than 7.5 liters (1.98 gallons) of alcohol a year and most are single, unemployed or students from big cities, the information on its website shows.
Civic Platform lawmaker Barbara Nowacka said on Twitter that Kaczynskis remarks showed how out of touch he is with women, our plans, dreams and lives.
Law & Justice rose to power in 2015, in part thanks to its promise of lavish baby bonuses for bigger families. Since then, Poland has imposed a near-total ban on abortions, sparking months of street protests and condemnation from European lawmakers.
The partys bid for a third consecutive term in office is now looking shaky due to the countrys deepening cost-of-living crisis.
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