Marking 15 May, the International Day of Families, Secretary of State responsible for families at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation Ágnes Hornung referred to the family as an ‘undoubtedly valuable’ aspect in a constantly changing world. The state secretary explained that the Hungarian government considers the family as a paramount national value, as families ensure the survival of the Hungarian nation. Therefore, since 2010, supporting families has become one of the fundamental principles of governance. She reminded that the government has expanded and enhanced the family support system year after year to facilitate childbearing, child-raising, home-building, and work alongside child-raising, all with the aim of leaving more money in the hands of families.

Ágnes Hornung stated:

‘We want a country where families can live in peace, where they can ensure the safety of their children, and where working parents can thrive.’

She also mentioned the ongoing war in Hungary’s neighbouring country, which, she said, ‘has shaken our security, Europe’s economy, and places the government under extraordinary financial burden.’ Ágnes Hornung emphasised that even during these wartime conditions, protecting families remains the most important task of the administration. This is evidenced by the fact that as of January this year, mothers under 30 are exempt from personal income tax, and their student loan debts are forgiven.

She reminded that families raising children with chronic illnesses or severe disabilities receive an additional monthly tax deduction of 10,000 forints. At the same time, the government has facilitated the utilisation of other family support programmes. In addition, families are also protected from increased energy prices, with a monthly subsidy of 180,000 forints that every Hungarian family benefits from through reduced utility prices.

‘I wish for Hungarian families to see an end to the war as soon as possible and live in safety and prosperity,’ Ágnes Hornung expressed on her social media page.