Hungary’s pronatalist experiment shows mixed results on birth rates
6 reported
A single-source BBC report examines Hungary's pronatalist policies, which offered interest-free loans and subsidies to married, heterosexual couples who promised to have children. The fertility rate rose from 1.25 in 2010 to 1.59 by 2020, but fell to 1.31 by 2025. Some couples, like Barbara Elek and her husband Levi, now face potential penalty interest on loans if they cannot prove a pregnancy by November 1. Experts cited in the article offer differing views on whether the policies succeeded or merely shifted the timing of births. The report notes that similar fertility trends occurred in the Czech Republic without such policies, and that South Korea spent over £215bn on similar measures yet saw its fertility rate drop to 0.8 by 2025. The article also highlights concerns from parents about healthcare and childcare quality as more important than financial incentives.
What’s reported
Hungary's fertility rate rose from 1.25 in 2010 to 1.59 by 2020, then fell to 1.31 by 2025.
Couples who took loans on the promise of two children may face penalty interest of 1.5-3.5 million forint (£3,700-£8,600) if they cannot prove a pregnancy by November 1.
The policies were only available to married, heterosexual couples and those in the formal job market.
South Korea spent more than £215bn on pronatalist policies but its fertility rate fell to 0.8 in 2025.
The Czech Republic saw a similar fertility boost and decline without expansive pronatalist measures.
Some parents cited healthcare and childcare quality as more important than financial incentives.
Key figures
Barbara Elek, 33, social worker in Debrecen, Hungary
Levi, 34, chef, husband of Barbara Elek
Viktor Orbán, former prime minister of Hungary (voted out in April 2026)
Tomas Sobotka, demographer, Vienna Institute of Demography
Fruzsina Skrabski, pro-family NGO Three Princes, Three Princesses
Maté, 43, freelance business developer, and Agi Gorondy, 37, parents of five
Timothy P Carney, senior fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Prof János Tóth, philosopher, University of Szeged
Eva Fodor, co-director, Democracy Institute, Central European University
Antonia Miskolczi, 29, mother in Budapest
Sources: BBC News
