Village development program faces criticism over depopulation remarks

Hungary's "Magyar Falu Program," launched in spring 2018, aimed to revitalize small settlements with populations under 5,000. Then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced the initiative, prioritizing the strengthening and development of these villages to improve living standards and curb emigration.

The program was largely shaped by local village leaders, allowing the government to dynamically address the specific needs and challenges articulated by these communities year after year. This initiative was part of a broader government strategy over the past sixteen years, which included programs like "falusi csok" (village housing subsidy), funding for church renovations, and modernization of local pubs. The government also focused on attracting international investments to all regions of the country to create jobs and retain populations in rural areas.

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If a political agenda affecting small settlements, which even the SZDSZ did not dare to openly espouse, prevails again in this country, society will face deep problems.

However, concerns have been raised about potential negative shifts in policy. Gergely Gulyás, Fidesz parliamentary group leader, criticized former minister István Bart's remarks, which reportedly questioned the need for villages and children. Gulyás labeled Bart's views as "unacceptable" and warned that a reversal of the current pro-village development direction would harm the entire country, with potentially greater social damage.

Gulyás further drew parallels between Bart's past statements and the policies of the former Alliance of Free Democrats (SZDSZ). He suggested that if a political agenda detrimental to small settlements, similar to what he implied the SZDSZ held but did not openly advocate, were to re-emerge, Hungarian society would face significant problems.

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The whole country will pay for this. If a direction contrary to this now emerges, the whole country will pay for it. And the social damage will be even greater.