Fisticuffs in Turkish Parliament Over Cabinet Reshuffle

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

A violent brawl broke out in Turkey’s parliament as lawmakers clashed over the appointment of a new Justice Minister.

The physical confrontation erupted when ruling party and opposition members began pushing and punching each other during the session. The chaos forced the speaker to temporarily suspend the assembly to restore order.

The fight was triggered by the naming of Akın Gürlek, a former chief prosecutor, to the Cabinet. Opposition members attempted to block him from taking his oath, accusing him of overseeing politically motivated trials.

Despite the scuffle, Gürlek was eventually sworn in while surrounded by supportive ruling party legislators.

Critics view Gürlek as a controversial figure due to his role in high-profile indictments against opposition figures like Istanbul’s mayor.

The opposition claims his appointment is a move to tighten the government’s grip on the judiciary. They argue that his history makes him unfit to lead a ministry that requires impartial justice.

The reshuffle also included a new Interior Minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, amidst a backdrop of corruption probes into opposition-run municipalities.

The government maintains these investigations are necessary and independent, but the opposition sees them as a targeted crackdown. This timing has significantly heightened political friction within the country.

Official records state the outgoing ministers “requested to be relieved” of their duties, offering no further explanation for the sudden changes. This lack of transparency has fueled accusations that the reshuffle is a strategic power grab. The move comes as Turkey considers major constitutional reforms and sensitive peace initiatives.

Describing the intensity of the scene, reports noted, “Footage from the chamber showed lawmakers pushing and shoving each other, with some throwing punches as tensions spilled over into violence.” This clash highlights the deep divisions within the Turkish government as it moves toward a new political era.