The final day of Turkey’s state budget debate ended in chaos Sunday evening when MPs from President Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) and main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) engaged in physical confrontation.
The clashes lasted about ten minutes during the 2026 budget vote, forcing Speaker Numan Kurtulmus to suspend proceedings as security struggled to separate fighters.
Budget passes amid chaos
Parliament ultimately approved the 2026 Central Government Budget with 320 votes in favor and 249 against. The 2024 Accounts Law passed 316-247.
CHP leader Ozgur Ozel and Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli were present but did not directly intervene.
Verbal clash sparks brawl
Tension ignited between AKP Bursa MP Mustafa Varank and CHP deputy parliamentary group leader Gokhan Gunaydin. Varank challenged from the podium: “Bring your general president, he shouldn’t fear me. Our nation knows Ozsel’s history well. Farmers in CHP-run municipalities still await Ozsel’s promised free tractors.”
Gunaydin fired back, accusing AKP of “bottom-scraping warfare” and systematically defaming CHP municipalities.
Escalation to punches
When CHP deputy leader Ali Mahir Basarir stood to protest, verbal exchanges turned to shoves then fists. MPs rushed to the chamber center, creating chaos before benches as security and colleagues tried separating fighters. Scuffles continued during the recess.
Sources: Philenews/Turkiye Today
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