Hungary's Population Policy has Failed

 

Hungary's right-wing government is following a strong pro-population growth policy, paying for marriages and births and offering long paid vacations to couples with babies. The country has been papered with patriotic pro-child propaganda. It is not working. Last January saw only 6600 births, which is the lowest ever, 10% lower than a year ago and 20% lower than two years ago. The nation is losing almost 1% of its population each year.

It could be that safety and comfort inhibit the animal instinct to reproduce, and that insecurity, misery, and famine stimulate reproduction. Humans can thrive only when challenged by existential dangers. Peace and prosperity mean extinction.