Survey: Record number of young Hungarian professionals seek to flee the country
A recent survey of young Hungarian professionals reveals a growing interest in living and studying abroad, with political discussions at home on the rise. Conducted by the HUN-REN Research Centre for Social Sciences, the survey highlights significant shifts in the attitudes and preferences of Hungary’s youth.
Active Youth survey
Mfor reports that the Active Youth in Hungary survey, conducted for the fifth time since its inception in 2011, explores the public and political attitudes of Hungarian students. Directed by the Head of the Department of Political Behavior at the HUN-REN Research Centre for Social Sciences, the representative survey received support from the National Youth Council of Hungary and the National Conference of Student Self-Governments. The latest survey, conducted between 22 February and 11 March, involved interviews with 805 full-time university students and was unveiled at the EFOTT festival, shedding light on the perspectives of over 1.5 million young Hungarians aged 15–29.
A new record?
Andrea Szabó, director of the Department of Political Behavior, highlighted the survey’s “record-breaking” findings regarding young Hungarian professionals’ openness to living abroad. While 37% of respondents in 2015, 33% in 2019, and 45% in spring 2024 considered permanent relocation outside Hungary. The desire to study abroad has also seen a slight increase, with nearly a quarter of students now expressing this interest. Additionally, the survey revealed that young Hungarian professionals are engaging in more discussions about public issues and politics with their families, friends and acquaintances than ever before.
Young Hungarian professionals show more interest in politics
Dániel Oross, a senior research fellow at the department, notes a significant rise in political participation among young Hungarian professionals, with non-participation dropping from 43% in 2019 to an anticipated 30% by 2024. The increase is evident in activities like signing protest petitions, donating money, demonstrating and participating in boycotts, reflecting activism levels similar to the early 2010s.
The survey also highlights students’ financial optimism and willingness to support important causes financially. In terms of values, 72% support same-sex marriage, and only 6% endorse traditional mother-father roles. Additionally, 23% of students favour a strong leader over a political agenda, and a quarter advocate for stricter migration policies, with a significant divide between left- and right-leaning students on this issue.
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Fact – not a NEW thing of happening, but it’s ESCALATING rapidly – Rightfully.
Goodbye. You remind me of a quote by Samuel Adams, the great American patriot, addressing those who abandoned his country:
“If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.”
These professional discontents remind me of Samuel Adams, an American Revolutionary War patriot who, chastizing his cowardly patriots, said: “If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.”