KDH Proposes Family Card Scheme for Larger Households

Bratislava, 4 June (TASR) - The opposition Christian Democratic Movement (KDH) has proposed the introduction of family cards aimed at making everyday life easier for families with two or more children by providing benefits and discounts across a range of services and activities, KDH chair Milan Majersky announced at a press conference on Thursday. Majersky argued that the state should do more to support families at a time when many are finding life increasingly difficult. The party's draft legislation on family cards is scheduled for its first reading during the current parliamentary session. "I want to underline that this concerns families with two or more children. They'll have access to tangible assistance. This is a modern tool already used in several countries. Poland is a typical example, and some regions in Slovakia have already introduced similar family cards," said Majersky. Majersky, who also serves as Presov region governor, noted that a comparable system is already in operation there, but he described the KDH proposal as a statutory nationwide version. "This modern instrument will not cost the state any financial resources. It's also a way to avoid placing additional burdens on the state budget. At the same time, the family card will provide real discounts, offering clear and visible support for families," he said. MP Andrea Turcanova said families would be able to use the card when shopping, travelling or attending cultural events. According to her, the measure would eliminate bureaucracy for families that currently have to present various documents to qualify for discounts. Single parents with at least two children would also be eligible for the card and could receive discounts from companies participating in the scheme. "We already know of similar family card systems in Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland. We were particularly inspired by the Polish model, which has been operating for ten years," said Turcanova. A key feature of the proposal is that the card would remain valid even after the children reach adulthood. "Parents will be able to use the card for life. Eligibility will also extend to adoptive parents, foster parents, professional foster carers and others entrusted with children under substitute care," she added. Turcanova said that the initiative aims to create cooperation between the state, local authorities and the private sector. The card would combine state benefits, reductions in local taxes and fees, and voluntary discounts offered by private companies that would be given the status of family-friendly partners. mf/df