Saba Mohacs, a 30-year-old construction worker, has two sons, of whom he says: "They are my whole joy". That is why he pays high fees for their entertainment in the children's corner of a shopping mall in Budapest - over four euros for the first half hour and two euros for every 15 minutes after that, reports the "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" (NZZ). In recent years, everything has become more expensive, the father, who lives with his family in a nearby social housing, told the Swiss publication. "We are barely getting by."
Viktor Orban's government constantly presents Hungary as a country that cares about families. "The state must ensure that every child desired is born," the prime minister said in an interview in August. And while other countries see migration as a solution to their demographic problems, Orbán wants more "Hungarian babies," writes the NCC. For this reason, support for parents and children is among the central elements of his policy.
Tax breaks for parents
Hungary invests over four percent of GDP in social benefits for families - this is a relatively high indicator in international terms. Among the measures implemented are tax breaks, subsidies for property purchases, as well as vacations for grandparents. Upon the birth of a third child, a loan of up to 28,000 euros can be forgiven, and mothers are exempt from taxes, the Swiss publication also reports. Mothers with three children do not pay any social security contributions for the rest of their lives, and since January this year this also applies to mothers under 30 with only one child.
However, the Mohacs family does not benefit much from these measures, as Csaba's wife only works a few hours as a cleaner, and they do not want to take out loans because it is too risky - if one parent loses their job or gets divorced. The relief only applies to married couples.
Sanal Taskinli brought her four-year-old son to the same daycare center and told NCC that one child is enough for her. The woman, who works as a marketing expert, is not interested in the government's financial incentives - she wants her only son to receive maximum attention from his parents. She approves of the fact that maternity leave can last up to three years, but states: “Children are not born because the government pays”. As the Swiss publication notes, Hungary's 27 percent VAT is one of the highest in the EU, and Taskinli commented: "They take your money from one pocket and transfer it as a gift to the other."
Population is declining despite government efforts
As part of the Family Protection Plan adopted in 2019, the birth rate temporarily increased to 1.61 children per woman (in 2021), but has since fallen back to 1.31. In 2024, only 77,500 babies were born - a negative record for the country. A further seven percent drop is expected for 2025, the Swiss publication writes.
The birth rate is low, and at the same time, tens of thousands of mostly young and highly educated Hungarians are leaving the country. Doesn't this indicate a failure of Orbán's policy? As Gabor Herbert, chairman of the Association of Large Families in Hungary, told the NCC, this will only be possible in a few years.
The association has been in existence for 40 years and represents the interests of families with at least three children. Herbert does not hide the fact that his organization is close to Orbán's government - it receives 70 percent of its funding from the Ministry of Family Affairs. He told the Swiss publication that today's society is too interested in consumption and short-term pleasures, instead of striving for a large family. And studies have shown that the desired number of children is two or more, Herbert notes - exactly what the government wants to achieve.
Only people with children are "real Hungarians"
The NCC journalists also spoke to sociologist Sandra Kramaric, author of a book about couples who have consciously decided to remain childless. Kramaric interviewed over 50 women for this purpose, most of whom simply did not feel a maternal instinct. Others referred to the situation in the world or specific Hungarian circumstances, and personal financial situation did not play such a big role.
Kramaric criticizes the government for considering only those with children as "real" Hungarians. Childbirth is presented as a woman's most important task, which has an impact on society - women are constantly asked about their family plans, which puts them under pressure. "I find myself a second-class citizen because I don't want children," Dora Faust, who works in a good position in an energy company and pays high taxes, told the Swiss publication. She approves of the government's support for families, but believes "the way it does it is problematic."
Why the measures are not having a strong impact
Studies show that the incentive programs have actually increased inequality. Wealthier families benefit most from tax breaks for mothers and favorable loans for buying real estate. While for most Hungarians, costs are rising – due to high inflation and rising property prices.
The incentive system, which is based mainly on loans, is extremely expensive, and much of the tax revenue goes to the banks, as the state covers the interest, says sociologist Sandra Kramaric. She is convinced that these funds could be used more effectively – if they do not achieve their goal. The government disputes this argument, arguing that without its measures, only 66,000 babies would have been born in 2024, instead of 77,000, the NCC notes.