Both Hungary and Europe are facing demographic challenges, the answer of our government is supporting and strengthening the families - Secretary of State for Family and Youth Affairs Katalin Novak told Magyar Hírlap.
During the last five years Hungary's conservative government has introduced many policies in order to create long-term, predictable, solid conditions for families because raising a child is not a one or four years long project, says Katalin Novak. The Secretary of State for Family and Youth Affairs emphasised to Magyar Hírlap that the government spends 30% more on various family benefits than in 2010. These benefits mean for the 1,1 million families in Hungary an average one million Forint extra income every year.
The government is not only financially helping the families but is also encouraging marriages. This year the number of new marriages was 14% more than in last year, while during the socialist governments between 2002 and 2010 this number decreased by a dramatic 24%. Also, there are less divorces. "We are standing up for traditions and values which are important to the majority of the society”, Novak said, adding that she doesn't think that the government should be neutral in its values as "Hungarian people respect traditions and families".
According to Novak it's a huge political mistake to think that mass immigration can solve the demographic problems of Europe.
