BUDAPEST - Hungarian women who have at least four children will be exempt from paying income tax for the rest of their lives as part of an effort to reverse population decline, the country's prime minister has said.

Right-wing leader Viktor Orban says new measures to increase financial aid and subsidies for families with multiple children will "ensure the survival of the Hungarian nation".

The EU average for the number of children a woman will have in her lifetime is 1.58, but in Hungary, the average is 1.45.

Under Mr Orban's proposals, a low-interest loan of 10 million forints (£ 27,286) will also be offered to women under 40 who are marrying for the first time.

Other benefits include a subsidy of 2.5 million forints (£ 6,849) towards the purchase of seven-seater vehicles for families with three or more children.

The prime minister, who was elected for a third consecutive term in April, hopes the measures will increase the country's population without relying on immigration.(FA)