Turkish MPs brawl during heated budget debate

Turkish lawmakers exchanged punches during a heated debate over the 2026 budget proposal on Sunday, though both the budget and a 2024 financial accounts bill were ultimately approved.

The fight broke out after ruling AK Party MP Mustafa Varank made remarks targeting opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) Chairman Özgür Özel during budget discussions in the Grand National Assembly.

After Varank slammed Özel over images taken at the grave of former Tunceli MP Kamer Genç, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın responded from the podium, accusing the AK Party of deliberately creating controversy during budget talks.

The debate escalated to an exchange of harsh comments about the legacy of the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, when further provocations resulted in a confrontation, with MPs pushing each other before punches were thrown.

The brawl lasted some 10 minutes, with MPs pushing and shoving one another as security guards and other legislators struggled to separate them. Fighting resumed intermittently during a recess.

Despite the violence, the assembly continued its work. Next year's budget law proposal was passed 320 to 249, while the 2024 final account was approved 316 to 247.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised the vote in a post on X.

"I wish that the 2026 Central Government Budget Law Proposal, which was adopted in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey this evening, will be auspicious for our country, our nation and our economy," Erdoğan said.