Fist fight in Turkish Parliament after opposition lawmakers confronted interior minister

A physical altercation occurred in the Turkish Parliament during the budget discussions for the Ministry of the Interior. The confrontation was sparked by opposition lawmakers’ protests against the government’s use of trustees in local municipalities.

Tension escalates as minister attempts to enter hall

The incident began when Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya tried to enter the commission hall. Opposition lawmakers, primarily from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), blocked his entry in protest of the government’s policy of appointing trustees.

The protesters displayed banners with the message “No to the Trustee Budget,” expressing their opposition to the practice.

Physical confrontation between Yerlikaya, CHP Deputy Basarir

As tensions escalated, a heated argument broke out betweenYerlikaya and CHP Deputy Ali Mahir Basarir.

The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with Basarir shouting, “Who are you pushing?” during the scuffle.

Minister Yerlikaya pushes camera during altercation

During the confrontation, Yerlikaya struck the camera of the journalist who was recording the incident.

After the brief scuffle, Yerlikaya returned to his seat, but tensions continued to simmer among lawmakers and their advisors.

Commission meeting temporarily suspended

Following the physical confrontation, the commission meeting was temporarily suspended for 10 minutes to allow for a cooling-off period.

This brief break helped ease the heightened tensions. The incident has intensified the political debate, especially regarding the controversial practice of appointing trustees.