Péter Asztalos Appointed as New President of the Mária Kopp Institute
Following an open selection process, Péter Asztalos has been appointed the new President of the Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS). He was formally introduced to the Institute’s personnel by Dr. Kinga Dóra Tóth, State Secretary for Social, Family and Elderly Affairs, and Dr. Zsuzsanna Makay, Deputy State Secretary for Family Policy, at an all-staff meeting, during which they also outlined the Institute’s future responsibilities and strategic priorities.
Dr. Kinga Dóra Tóth emphasised that the scope of the Mária Kopp Institute’s activities would be significantly expanded. Building on its established work in family policy, the Institute will also provide expertise, conduct research and carry out impact assessments in other areas falling within the remit of the State Secretariat for Social, Family and Elderly Affairs, including social policy, ageing policy, social affairs and social inclusion. KINCS will also contribute to monitoring and evaluating the impact of family support measures.
Dr. Zsuzsanna Makay explained that a total of eight applications had been submitted for the position of President of KINCS, six of which met the eligibility requirements. Following interviews conducted by the selection committee, Péter Asztalos was recommended for the position. The recommendation was subsequently approved by Dr. Vilmos Kátai-Németh, Minister of Social and Family Affairs, and Péter Asztalos was appointed to lead the Institute with effect from 28 September 2026.
Péter Asztalos is an economist who previously worked as a senior economic expert at the Central Bank of Hungary (MNB), where demographic trends and family policy formed an important part of his professional work. As a father of three, he also brings first-hand experience of the everyday realities and challenges facing families, complementing his professional expertise. Outlining his vision for the Institute, the new President stressed the importance of developing a flexible and responsive research framework capable of adapting to the Institute’s expanded responsibilities while effectively supporting the Ministry’s policy development and operations.
