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Sep 14, 2026
Czechia Considers One Million-Crown Reward for Second Child as Births Hit Record Low
Prague Morning
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Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is considering a million-crown reward for families who have a second child, along with lifelong tax relief for parents of a third child.
The proposals are among several measures being discussed, including support for parents who are studying, childcare services and more affordable housing. Babiš said he would bring together the relevant ministers to discuss the issue.
The Czech Republic recorded just 77,600 live births in 2025, the lowest figure since statistical records began in 1785. Births fell in every region compared with the previous year.
The country’s total fertility rate also dropped to 1.28 children per woman, while the average age of women having their first child rose to 29.2 years.
Million-crown reward for a second child
Babiš said the government was examining several proposals to encourage families to have more children.
“One million crowns for a second child,” he said, describing a possible incentive for women who already have one child.
He also mentioned a lifelong tax break for a third child, support for studying parents, nurseries and children’s groups.
Babiš also criticized mortgage costs, questioning why Czech interest rates remain 1.5 percentage points above those in the eurozone. He has repeatedly criticized the Czech National Bank, while cheaper mortgages were among ANO’s key election promises.
Debate over assisted reproduction
Babiš also addressed a proposal from the Ministry of Health that would allow single women to undergo assisted reproduction without a male partner.
Responding to criticism from the Alliance for Family, he acknowledged the importance of fathers but pointed to divorce and child-support disputes.
“I know that. But what is the divorce rate here? Fathers leave families and then sometimes do not even pay child support,” he said.
Babiš added that he did not want to comment extensively on the issue because of possible accusations of having business interests in reproductive clinics.
“It’s nonsense. A woman can choose the clinic she wants. If she hates Babiš, then let her not go there. I don’t decide on that at all,” he said.
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