Hungary's Retirement Debate: Should Men Retire at 40?

Hungarian Parliament Debates Retirement Age for Men Amid Life Expectancy Concerns Budapest, Hungary – May 30, 2025 – A debate erupted in the Hungarian Parliament today regarding the retirement age for men, sparked by a proposal from Dóra Dúró of the Mi Hazánk Mozgalom. Dúró presented data showing that Hungarian men's life expectancy lags behind the EU average, making the current retirement age unattainable for many. She argued for a reduced retirement age for men with 40 years of work experience. "The government must acknowledge the harsh realities faced by men in physically demanding jobs," stated Dúró during her address. "Many do not live to enjoy their retirement, or they reach it in poor health." The government's response, delivered by State Secretary Dr. Fónagy János, acknowledged the pension system's challenges but did not support Dúró's proposal. He cited financial constraints and the need to maintain the system's sustainability. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between social welfare and economic realities in Hungary. The discussion is expected to continue, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of the nation's retirement policies to better address the needs of all citizens.