To be a principal or department head, you must have children? Taiwan official suggests job incentives for births

Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin has proposed a controversial idea to encourage public officials to have more children, suggesting that positions like principals and department heads could be tied to having a specific number of offspring.

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Money is not the best method; the best method is sufficient public childcare and kindergartens.

During a media interview, Chung stated that while the government offers financial incentives, such as NT$5,000 per month for individuals under 18, he questioned if this is enough to motivate young people to have children. He believes that providing ample public childcare and kindergartens is a more effective approach than direct financial aid.

Chung elaborated on his proposal, suggesting that public institutions could lead by example. He posited that in the future, to become a principal or a department head, one might be required to have a certain number of children, unless they have a medical reason for infertility. He referred to this concept as 'eugenics,' arguing that public officials, being of 'good stock' and having passed rigorous examinations, would be suitable candidates.

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If you want to be a principal, in a few years I will start implementing this: unless you present infertility, you must have two children; how many children do you need to have to be a department head? I think this is also a method.

He further suggested that large companies could adopt similar incentive programs, combining job-related encouragement with financial rewards. Chung also touched upon the importance of family legacy, stating that having a distinguished lineage could bring honor to children. He emphasized that the county government respects expert opinions and is open to various suggestions for encouraging childbirth.

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This is all eugenics. After all, public officials are of good stock and have passed exams.