Family Policy: Tradition and Innovation Through 16 Years
The past 16 years have represented a golden age of family support measures, emphasized Tünde Fűrész at the presentation of the latest issue of Polgári Szemle, where she introduced her study entitled “The Hungarian Family Policy Model – Stability and Innovation.” At the press conference, Prof. Dr. Csaba Lentner presented his work “At Midpoint – Halfway There: One and a Half Decades of Hungarian Economic and Social Policy,” while Bence Bauer outlined his paper “The Past and Future of Hungarian–German Relations”.
In the economic and social journal, the President of the Mária Kopp Institute (KINCS) analysed the development of Hungary’s post-2010 family policy system, its innovative elements, and their economic and demographic impacts. Tünde Fűrész highlighted that over the past one and a half decades, a conscious and continuous process of construction has taken place in the field of family support, consistently tailored to the needs of families while providing a predictable and stable environment—even during periods burdened by crises and risks. The family policy system had to be built practically from scratch, as prior to 2010 Hungary lacked a coherent family policy framework; instead, only fragmented social policy solutions and welfare-based provisions prevailed. The three primary objectives of this development were to mitigate unfavourable demographic trends, to promote economic growth and competitiveness, and to strengthen social well-being, given that harmoniously functioning families constitute the foundation of a stable and well-functioning society.
The President of KINCS pointed out that the Hungarian family support system spans the entire life course—from the prenatal stage to old age—and seeks to provide solutions for all life situations. Its innovative approach lies in ensuring freedom of decision; in interpreting family support not as a cost but as an economic investment; in viewing families as values and resources; and in addressing demographic challenges by relying on internal resources rather than migration. Its uniqueness stems from the inclusion of several elements considered Hungarikums, such as the personal income tax exemption of mothers, the infant care fee 100 (CSED 100), the Baby Expecting Subsidy, as well as the comprehensive home creation program—from the Family Housing Subsidy (CSOK) to the Home Start Program—all specifically designed around the needs of families. In addition, child welfare measures also play a significant role—including free textbooks for pupils, free public transport for children under 14, and the Elisabeth Program—which directly reduce the financial burdens on families.
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Csaba Lentner pointed out that after 2010 a shift in economic policy took place in Hungary: the free-market approach was replaced by active state involvement. As a result, a strong, GDP-proportionally outstanding family support system emerged, alongside high employment and a diversified external economic network not only with EU partners but also with Eastern countries. At the same time, the professor highlighted tensions between academic life and governmental decision-making, which make it more difficult for governmental achievements to be incorporated into academic discourse, thereby hindering their deeper and broader understanding.
Bence Bauer spoke about the past and future of Hungarian–German relations. The director of the MCC German-Hungarian Institute for European Cooperation pointed out that, after 11 years, German society is beginning to recognize the earlier shortcomings of its migration policy. Moreover, Germans increasingly share similar views with Hungarians on several pivotal issues, which explains why more and more people are relocating to Hungary—many of whom believe that the values and elements of “old Germany” continue to live on in Hungary.
The latest issue of Polgári Szemle is available here: https://polgariszemle.hu/aktualis-szam
