© Agence France-Presse
The suggestion is that mothers with small children could get additional votes in elections
The suggestion is that mothers with small children could get additional votes in elections
Jozsef Szajer, a senior official from the ruling conservative Fidesz party, explained that 20 per cent of Hungary's population are children and that "the interests of future generations are not represented in decision making". "100 years ago it was unusual to give votes to women," he said.
The proposed legislation, which would be a first for modern democracy, is inspired by a concept developed in 1986 by American demographer Paul Demeny, who argued that children "should not be left disfranchised for some 18 years".
Mr Szajer said the law would give "mothers the vote on behalf of a maximum of one child".
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But I'm not convinced mothers will consistently and overwhelmingly vote for their child's best interests.
Alaska gives a dividend each year to each state citizen from babies on up. The dividend varies but some years will exceed $1,000 per person. If you have a few kids, that really adds up.
The painful part is seeing how many children get no benefit from that dividend - the parents spend it on other things. The children get no nest egg or college fund to get them started on their own. Instead the money often goes to big screen TV's, stereo systems, fishing boats, 4-wheelers, snowmachines, etc. - toys for the adults instead of a headstart for the kids.
So - I don't know if extra votes for mothers will be of net benefit to the children.
Still, I love the idea of at least someone thinking about the needs of kids.