Chaotic scenes unfolded late Sunday in the Turkish Parliament as lawmakers from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) became involved in a physical confrontation during the final day of debates on the state budget.
The clash, which lasted around ten minutes, saw deputies throwing punches on the floor of the parliamentary chamber, prompting parliamentary staff and security to intervene.
Session Suspended Amid Disorder
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş was forced to suspend the session as security personnel attempted to separate the lawmakers and restore order.
Despite the incident, the legislature proceeded with voting. The 2026 Central Government Budget Law was approved with 320 votes in favor and 249 against, while the Final Accounts Law for 2024 passed with 316 votes in favor and 247 against.
Heated Debate Sparked the Violence
The confrontation reportedly began after a sharp verbal exchange between AKP lawmaker Mustafa Varank, representing the city of Bursa, and CHP deputy parliamentary group leader Gökhan Günaydın.
Varank accused the opposition of failing to deliver on promises made to local communities, while Günaydın responded by accusing the government of defaming CHP-led municipalities, escalating tensions that eventually turned physical.
The incident underscores deep political polarization in Turkey, particularly as economic issues and public spending remain highly contentious ahead of future electoral cycles.
