Partial privatization of a pension system: lessons from Hungary

On 1 January 1998 a three-pillar pension system was introduced in Hungary. It will replace about a ¼ of the existing unfunded public system by a funded private system from 2013. The transition to this 'mixed system' is obligatory for those entering the labour market after 30 June 1998 and optional for the current labour force. Meanwhile the public pillar is also being reformed.<P>This article assesses and evaluates these important developments. Contrary to expectations, the current government has made important changes to the on-going reform programme. These changes threaten to make benefit entitlements under the mixed system less attractive than envisaged. Despite significant funding problems within the unreformed public system, the partial privatization of the public system may cause more problems than it solves. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.