Freedom of choice for families important principle in Hungary

Real freedom of choice for families is considered one of the most important fundamental principles in Hungary, President Katalin Novák said in Brussels late on Wednesday, arguing that not every decision could be applied to every family the same way.

Addressing an event on demographic issues organised by the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations and the Liszt Institute, Novák said the Hungarian state strived to give families freedom of choice, noting the challenge that was the fertility gap.

She said everything possible needed to be done to close the gap and help couples have as many children as they want. This, she added, could not mean interfering in people’s private lives.

Hungary spends 6 percent of its GDP on family support, Novák said, noting the PIT exemptions, preferential student loans and housing support offered to those with more children. She also mentioned the broad creche services, extended parental leave and allowances for grandparents providing childcare.