Fists fly as Turkey debates greater Erdogan powers
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AFP) — Turkish lawmakers yesterday brawled and threw chairs as parliament approved three more articles in a hugely controversial bill bolstering the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Lawmakers have since the start of the week been debating the first reading of the 18-article bill to change the constitution to create an executive presidency.
The articles approved covered lowering the minimum age limit of members of parliament from 25 to 18, stipulating parliamentary elections be held every five years, instead of four, and on the parliament’s own powers.
Five of the 18 articles have now been approved with the three-fifths majority required for the new constitution to be submitted to a referendum expected in April.
The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has mustered sufficient votes in an alliance with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP).
But the changes are vehemently opposed by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), whose lawmakers boycotted the vote.
A brawl erupted in the chamber as the voting took place in an overnight session, with lawmakers punching each other and chairs being thrown, television pictures showed.
Dozens of lawmakers crowded around the speaker’s rostrum with one MP held in a chokehold and another kicked in the shins.
Another was seen being led away, apparently bleeding from the head, while the lectern from which MPs deliver speeches was also badly damaged in the fracas.
Female MPs meanwhile shook their heads and waved their hands in despair.