Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday announced a slew of measures that is aimed at promoting marriages and families and curbing the rate of immigration. “Have more babies”.
Viktor Orban announced this measure as part of an effort to reverse population decline. Additionally, the government will provide subsidies for larger families to purchase bigger cars and open 21,000 creche places to support families.
It’s an unconventional strategy, but Hungary hopes it will encourage more Hungarian children and secure the country’s future without relying on immigration.
Hungary, like many other European countries, is confronting a demographic issue as its birth rate declines. Hungary has launched a number of steps to boost birth rates in order to reverse population loss. Viktor Orban stated, “There are fewer and fewer children born in Europe.”
Immigration is the West’s answer to that dilemma. They want as many migrants to enter as there are missing children, so that the total adds up. We Hungarians think differently.
Hungary’s government has unveiled measures that exclude women who raise at least four children from paying personal income tax for the rest of their lives. It also promised a subsidy to help larger families buy bigger cars. The administration has also promised that it will open 21,000 creches in line.
Japan launching Dating App developing (storyherald.com)
Hungary’s Family Protection Action Plan
- Subsidy for Young Married Couples: Since its introduction, nearly 100,000 couples have applied for this subsidy, with more than four-fifths receiving the maximum amount of HUF 10 million.
- CSOK Loans: Over 11,500 people have applied for CSOK loans, which provide financial assistance for housing purchases.
- Support for Mortgages: Almost 13,000 people have used this support to facilitate home ownership.
- Car Purchase Support for Large Families: Approximately 27,000 people have benefited from this assistance.
- Personal Income Tax Exemption for Mothers with Four Children: Around 43,000 mothers have availed themselves of this tax exemption.
- Expanding Nursery System: The plan includes nursery developments to support child supervision.
- Child-Raising Leave for Grandparents: This measure helps grandparents take care of their grandchildren.
- Opinion polls show that 9 out of 10 Hungarians of childbearing age agree with all seven measures, demonstrating the plan’s popularity and positive impact on Hungary’s demographic situation
Other European countries have implemented family-friendly policies as well:
- Sweden and Denmark: These Scandinavian countries allocate a significant portion of their gross domestic product (around four percent) to family assistance, emphasizing support for parents and children.
- Australia: Australia introduced the “Baby Bonus”, which successfully raised the declining birthrate. This policy provided financial incentives to families upon the birth of a child.
- Hungary’s Unique Approach: Unlike some European governments that provide cash incentives without considering family context, Hungary’s plan is contingent on marriage and employment. This approach also addresses the country’s labor shortage.
Asian countries to address declining birthrates:
- Japan:
- Proposal to Reverse Declining Birthrate: Japan’s Children’s Policies Minister, Masanobu Ogura, unveiled a draft proposal aimed at reversing the country’s declining birthrate. The plan includes:
- Increased Subsidies for Childrearing: Providing financial assistance to families raising children.
- Generous Student Loans for Higher Education: Encouraging education and career development.
- Greater Access to Childcare Services: Supporting working parents.
- Promoting Gender Equality: Changing cultural mindsets at work and home.
- Encouraging Paternity Leave: Assisting male staff in taking paternity leave1.
- Proposal to Reverse Declining Birthrate: Japan’s Children’s Policies Minister, Masanobu Ogura, unveiled a draft proposal aimed at reversing the country’s declining birthrate. The plan includes:
- South Korea:
- President Moon Jae-in introduced policies to incentivize women to have more children, including cash incentives for families.
- China:
- After reversing its one-child policy in 2016, China lost its status as the most populous country to India. The government continues to encourage families to have more children.
