The Hungarian government is to initiate a national consultation survey over the demographic problem facing the country.
The Minister heading the Prime Minister’s Office Gergely Gulyás said the survey is being carried out because the government would like the country’s citizens to also voice their opinions on possible courses of action. He said it is likely to go ahead in October.
The minister said today’s Cabinet meeting had discussed the demographics situation and revealed that Hungary, compared to all other European countries, spends the highest ratio of its GDP, 5 percent, on family support programs.
The minister said the fertility rate has increased from 1.23 to 1.5 due to government measures, meaning that on average 200 Hungarians are having 150 children.
He added that it is still a long way below the replacement level fertility rate, which is the government’s goal, and accordingly the introduction of further measures can be expected during the upcoming months, which will be helping to promote childbearing from January and throughout the government’s whole term in office.