Latest news with #ZsófiaKoncz
Budapest Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Budapest Times
Koncz: Hungary undergoing a family-friendly tax revolution
Hungary is undergoing a 'family-friendly tax revolution,' according to Zsófia Koncz, State Secretary for Families at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation. Speaking on M1 television Tuesday morning, she highlighted the government's continued expansion of family support measures since 2010. Koncz emphasized the exceptional scale of the latest changes. In July, the first phase of the family tax allowance doubling began, with eligible parents receiving the increased benefit in their August pay. Also in effect since July is the new 'CSED extra' scheme, allowing mothers to return to work after 90 days while still receiving 70 percent of the childcare benefit. From 1 October, families with three children will become exempt from personal income tax (PIT), with similar tax relief for two-child families and mothers under 30 set to begin in January. 'The government supports families in all life situations, ensuring parents have freedom of choice,' Koncz stated. She also discussed the Home Start Program, calling it a key pillar of the family support system. A related government decree is currently under public consultation to ensure the program can be combined with other homeownership schemes. Addressing concerns about price inflation, Koncz noted the introduction of a HUF 1.5 million per square metre price cap to prevent speculative increases. Home Start loans can be used for both home construction and purchasing pre-owned properties, she confirmed. In a separate interview on Kossuth Radio, Koncz said the scheme is clearly aimed at young people, who are already supported through PIT exemptions for under-25s and access to work-based loans.
Budapest Times
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
March 15 commemoration held at Kossuth statue in US Capitolium
"We must stand up for shared values such as peace, family, national values and Christian culture," Zsófia Koncz said. The 1848-49 revolution and freedom fight of Hungary against Habsburg rule was commemorated at the statue of revolutionary leader Lajos Kossuth displayed in the US Capitolium in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. Zsófia Koncz, Hungary's state secretary for family policy, said Kossuth had been a 'link' between the US and Hungary, 'as is the value of families as the foundation of both nations'. 'We must stand up for shared values such as peace, family, national values and Christian culture,' she said. Koncz told MTI that during her visit, she had seen 'great interest in the US' regarding Hungarian policies, especially family policy. Former Republican Senator Rick Santorum said bilateral ties between the two countries had seen a 'full 180', enhanced by the 'close personal and political relationship between the US president and the Hungarian prime minister'.
Budapest Times
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Budapest Times
State Secretary presents Hungary's family policy at UN event in New York
Zsófia Koncz briefed the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women on Hungarian family policy measures, including the PIT exemption for mothers, family tax reductions and measures to widen women's employment. Zsófia Koncz, the state secretary of the culture and innovation ministry, briefed the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women on Hungary's family policy in New York on Tuesday. After the meeting, Koncz told MTI that she held meetings with the cabinet members responsible for family and women's issues in Serbia, Morocco, Turkiye, Qatar, the Philippines, and Chad. She briefed them on Hungarian family policy measures, including the PIT exemption for mothers, family tax reductions and measures to widen women's employment, she said. Among measures to protect women's mental health, Koncz highlighted Hungary's unique 110-year-old travelling nurse network. At the talks, Koncz said Hungary's family policy was based on three fundamental aims, improving families' financial situation, home creation and creating a stable work-life balance. She said the Hungarian family policy enjoyed widespread appreciation, and 'the results of the talks will materialise in widening cooperation'. On Wednesday, Koncz will visit Washington, DC, where she will conduct talks on the family policy of the Trump administration.
