Hungary has launched a landmark tax exemption for mothers of three children, ending their personal income tax burden permanently. The government hails it as a family policy revolution, while critics dismiss it as electioneering—State Secretary Zsófia Koncz shared details about the measure at a press conference on 6 October.
‘I started teaching the children ever since more of us from Wisconsin started attending the Csipke Camps…I try to put together a small performance for every major holiday, and in doing so, I help them learn more about Hungarian traditions. We meet weekly…but we gather beyond the rehearsals, to spend time together—we sing too, and try to preserve our Hungarian identity also in this way.’
The 18th National Gallop kicks off with preliminary races this weekend in Serbia’s Subotica and Hungary’s Őcsény. Riders from across Hungary and neighbouring regions will compete for a place in the finals, set for 4–5 October in Szilvásvárad.
‘The only true solution [to the Demographic crisis] is to support families and encourage higher birth rates among the domestic population,’ Political Director to the Prime Minister of Hungary Balázs Orbán wrote in his recently published essay for The Telegraph.
At a press conference with State Secretary for Families Zsófia Koncz and Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS) President Tünde Fűrész, Minister of Culture and Innovation Balázs Hankó of Hungary stated that, unlike Brussels, the Hungarian government is spending its resources on peace, family, and children, not war.
‘Orbán and the Fidesz leadership are seeking lasting change to Hungarian politics and culture. They recognize that pro-life and pro-family issues are not just legal disputes; they are culture-wide struggles, and they must be addressed as such. Hungarian conservatives are not surrendering on these issues, and they are not acting recklessly…the Orbán government’s family policies are prudent.’
‘When I come to Hungary, I’m always amazed by how many young people are in important positions or leading organizations. That’s rare in Japan, where seniority and relationships established over decades is prioritized youth, talent and expertise. Japanese society doesn’t value young people enough,’ Japanese journalist Waka Ikeda pointed out in an interview with Hungarian Conservative.
Hungary’s family support policies have attracted international attention, with US leaders praising them as exemplary. Following her visit to Washington, Secretary of State for Families Zsófia Koncz highlighted the country’s comprehensive approach to supporting families, which has contributed to rising birth rates and economic stability.
Hungary is set to implement Europe’s most extensive tax reduction programme, benefiting nearly one million families. The initiative expands personal income tax exemptions and doubles child tax allowances, ensuring substantial financial support for parents.
In recent decades, Europe has faced many challenges, one of which is the demographic crisis. The ageing and declining population, labour shortages and emigration pose a major challenge for almost all European countries. The importance of demographic trends cannot be overestimated, as they will have a major impact on Europe’s future position.