The statement by the host of the program "Soloviev Live" Sergey Mardan about the need to cancel pensions for Russians who do not have children caused a strong reaction in society. On air on May 20, 2025, the journalist called the decline in the birth rate in Russia "a national disaster" and proposed a radical measure: to deprive pensions of those who did not raise children, citing the fact that only the presence of offspring should guarantee financial support in old age.

"Have children - you will have something to eat. Don't have children - you will die"", Mardan said, provoking a wave of criticism on social media, where his idea was dubbed "medieval" and "discriminatory."

The statement was part of a wider discussion about Russia's demographic crisis and measures to stimulate the birth rate.

Mardan based his position on statistics, pointing out that the birth rate in Russia in 2024 fell to 1,41 children per woman, which is significantly below the population replacement level (2,1). According to Rosstat, 2024 million children were born in the country in 1,26, which is 5,4% less than the year before, and the population decreased by 600 thousand people. The presenter emphasized that without radical measures, Russia will face the threat of a demographic catastrophe, including a labor shortage and an increased burden on the pension system. His proposal, in essence, boils down to the idea that pensions should be a privilege for those who “contributed” to the country's future through the birth of children.

The public reaction was sharply negative. Users of the X platform and Telegram channels criticized Mardan, calling his idea inhumane and violating citizens' rights. Some suggested "leaving Mardan himself without a salary", pointing out that his statements do not solve the problem, but only provoke a split in society.