According to Gulyás Gergely, the 12-year parliamentary term limit announced by Péter Magyar is not retroactive.

The Hungarian government has introduced a proposal to limit parliamentary mandates to a maximum of twelve years as part of its broader "Tisztítótűz" ("Purification Fire") initiative. This measure aims to address concerns about political and economic mafia influence, according to Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who announced the plan during a speech preceding the legislative agenda on Monday. The proposed law would restrict individuals from holding parliamentary positions for more than twelve years, effectively limiting their ability to serve multiple terms. However, there remains significant debate over whether this restriction will apply retroactively, affecting current parliamentarians, or only prospectively, impacting future elections.

According to Gulyás Gergely, the leader of the Fidesz parliamentary faction, the proposed law does not have retroactive effect, based on the text of the bill itself and in contrast to the usual practices of the Tisza Party. He emphasized that the regulation applies only to future cases, not to those already serving in Parliament. However, he noted that Magyar's public statement seemed to suggest otherwise, which could lead to potential amendments being submitted by the Tisza group. Gulyás expressed concern that if the law were interpreted to include time already spent in Parliament, it would be considered highly problematic, even antidemocratic. Such an interpretation could prevent representatives who have been repeatedly elected by their constituents from running again, despite having received strong support from voters.

Gulyás also highlighted the potential implications of the policy, stating that if the government decides to prevent certain individuals from running for office a third time, it would represent a limitation on democracy. He argued that such decisions should reflect the will of the people rather than the preferences of a ruling majority. Despite his disagreement with the proposed mandate cap, Gulyás acknowledged that the quality of the regulation—whether good or bad—would not necessarily be the most pressing issue facing the country.

As a long-serving member of Parliament, Gulyás has held his position for seventeen years. When asked how he would respond if the regulation applied retroactively to him, he humorously remarked that he would be relieved not to have to repay five years' worth of parliamentary salary, as he would no longer be eligible to serve. His comments underscore the personal stakes involved for many current lawmakers who might be affected by the new rules.

The proposed twelve-year mandate cap would impact a substantial number of Fidesz members of Parliament, as well as several members from the KDNP party and other national-conservative representatives. Notable figures such as Lázár János, Szijjártó Péter, and Kocsis Máté would be among those potentially affected. Additionally, prominent national-conservative politicians including Apáti István, Dúró Dóra, and Novák Előd would face restrictions on their ability to continue serving after 2030.

The introduction of this regulation marks a significant shift in Hungary’s political landscape, reflecting ongoing efforts to reshape the composition and dynamics of the National Assembly. While the government frames the move as necessary to combat corruption and ensure fair representation, critics argue that it could undermine democratic principles by limiting the ability of experienced legislators to seek re-election. As discussions around the proposed legislation continue, the final form of the law—and its potential retroactive application—remains uncertain, leaving room for further legal and political maneuvering.