Turkey Parliament Brawl During Justice Minister Oath Chaos
Opposition protest turns physical as political tensions rise in Ankara
A dramatic confrontation erupted inside Turkey’s Grand National Assembly during the swearing-in ceremony of new cabinet members. Opposition lawmakers attempted to block the podium in protest of the justice minister appointment. The situation quickly escalated from shouting into pushing and physical clashes. Parliamentary officials struggled to maintain order as tensions intensified. The incident immediately drew attention from both local and international media.
The unrest began when members of the CHP moved toward the rostrum to prevent the oath of Akın Gürlek. They argued that his past judicial role raised concerns about independence and fairness. Government-aligned AKP deputies approached the area, leading to heated arguments. Within moments, the dispute turned into a physical scuffle between rival MPs. Witnesses described a chaotic atmosphere inside the chamber.
Vice Speaker Bekir Bozdağ was forced to suspend the session to calm the situation. Lawmakers continued exchanging accusations while security attempted to separate them. The suspension highlighted the seriousness of the disruption in parliament. Officials urged members to respect institutional procedures despite political disagreements. The break allowed injured participants to receive medical attention.
During the clash, CHP deputy Mahmut Tanal reportedly suffered a nose injury. He was taken to the parliament’s medical unit for treatment shortly after the incident. Colleagues from both sides gathered around as confusion spread across the hall. The injury became a major talking point among political figures online. Supporters of the opposition condemned what they described as excessive force.
The appointment of Akın Gürlek has been controversial from the beginning. Critics claim his previous involvement in cases against opposition figures raises concerns about impartiality. Government supporters argue that his legal experience qualifies him for the role. The disagreement reflects deeper political divisions between ruling and opposition parties. Analysts say the conflict mirrors broader debates about Turkey’s justice system.
After order was restored, Gürlek eventually completed the oath ceremony. The government presented the swearing-in as a sign of stability despite the disruption. Opposition lawmakers reiterated their objections and promised continued scrutiny. Political commentators noted that such confrontations have become more frequent in recent years. The ceremony concluded under heavy tension inside the assembly.
International observers quickly reacted to reports of the incident. Foreign media outlets analyzed the clash as part of a wider political struggle in Turkey. Some experts believe the confrontation could deepen polarization ahead of future legislative debates. Others argue that heated parliamentary moments are not uncommon during major political transitions. Additional global coverage can be found at https://www.reuters.com/ and https://www.aljazeera.com/.
The event has also sparked debate about the limits of protest within democratic institutions. Supporters of the opposition say blocking the podium was a form of political expression. Government allies insist that physical disruptions undermine parliamentary order. The disagreement highlights different interpretations of democratic norms. Many citizens continue discussing the incident across social media platforms.
#SonDakika | CHP’nin PKK kadrosundan milletvekili yaptığı, or••spu evladı Mahmut Tanal mecliste dayak yedi. pic.twitter.com/6GBfnrQkgg
— Milliyetçi Kavga (@milliyetcikavga) February 11, 2026
Political analysts suggest that tensions may remain high in upcoming sessions. The justice minister’s policies and past record are expected to face strong scrutiny from critics. Meanwhile, the ruling party aims to move forward with its legislative agenda. Observers believe further confrontations could occur if compromise remains limited. The atmosphere inside parliament is likely to stay charged.
As Turkey navigates this latest political dispute, attention now turns to how leaders respond. Calls for dialogue and respect for parliamentary rules have grown louder following the clash. Whether the incident leads to reforms or deeper divisions remains uncertain. The brawl serves as a reminder of how fragile political debate can become during moments of high pressure. For now, the country watches closely as tensions continue to shape its political landscape.