Turkey Parliament Scuffle Signals Deep Political Divisions

ANKARA (Azat TV) – A physical confrontation erupted inside Turkey’s parliament on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as opposition lawmakers attempted to block the oath-taking of newly appointed Justice Minister Akin Gurlek. The scuffle, which saw pushing, shouting, and even punches thrown, underscored escalating political tensions surrounding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s recent cabinet reshuffle and the opposition’s profound concerns over judicial independence.

The incident unfolded during a routine parliamentary session meant for the swearing-in of new cabinet members. Opposition legislators from the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) gathered near the podium, intending to physically prevent Gurlek from proceeding with the ceremony. Members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) swiftly moved to shield their nominee, leading to a chaotic scene on the parliamentary floor. Footage circulating across Turkish media showed lawmakers grappling with each other, forcing the speaker of parliament to suspend proceedings for 15 minutes to restore order. When the session resumed, Gurlek successfully took his oath, surrounded by AK Party lawmakers.

Parliamentary Chaos Over Gurlek’s Oath

The immediate catalyst for the parliamentary brawl was the opposition’s vehement objection to Akin Gurlek’s appointment to the powerful Justice Ministry. Opposition parties argue that Gurlek, who previously served as Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor, has a track record of political bias. They accuse him of pursuing politically motivated cases aimed at weakening critics of President Erdogan’s government, thereby eroding trust in judicial institutions.

As Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor, Gurlek oversaw several high-profile investigations, notably targeting members of the CHP. These proceedings were consistently denounced by the opposition as politically motivated. The attempt to block his oath-taking was a direct manifestation of their belief that his elevation to such a critical ministerial post further blurs the lines between political power and judicial authority in Turkey.

The Controversial Figure: Akin Gurlek

Akin Gurlek’s past role has been a significant point of contention. Among the most prominent figures targeted in cases he oversaw was Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, widely regarded as President Erdogan’s main political rival. Imamoglu was arrested last year over corruption and organized crime allegations, charges his supporters claim are politically motivated. In November, Gurlek filed an expansive indictment against Imamoglu, accusing him of 142 separate offenses and seeking a combined prison sentence exceeding 2,000 years. This move drew widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, raising serious questions about the rule of law and democratic accountability in Turkey.

For the opposition, Gurlek’s appointment to the Justice Ministry signals continuity rather than a shift towards judicial impartiality. They argue that placing a former prosecutor, who led cases against key government critics, at the helm of the Justice Ministry deepens concerns about the independence of the judiciary at a time when institutional trust is already strained.

Broader Political Tensions and Cabinet Reshuffle

The parliamentary confrontation occurred days after President Erdogan announced a cabinet reshuffle. Alongside Gurlek’s appointment, Mustafa Ciftci, the governor of Erzurum province, was named interior minister. While no official reason was given for the cabinet shake-up, the Official Gazette indicated that the outgoing ministers had ‘requested to be relieved’ of their duties. This reshuffle unfolds against the backdrop of a sweeping anti-corruption drive that has disproportionately affected municipalities run by opposition parties. Hundreds of local officials affiliated with the CHP have been arrested in recent years, further fueling accusations of political targeting.

The government maintains that the judiciary acts independently and that these investigations are legitimate efforts to combat corruption. However, opposition groups vehemently dispute this, viewing the arrests and high-profile prosecutions as attempts to consolidate power and neutralize political challengers ahead of future elections. The new appointments, particularly Gurlek’s, are perceived by the opposition as a strategic move by Erdogan and the AK Party to tighten their control amidst ongoing political and economic challenges facing the country.

Implications for Turkish Democracy

The tensions displayed in parliament reflect broader concerns about the health of democratic institutions in Turkey. The debate over judicial independence, the rule of law, and the perceived politicization of the legal system has been ongoing for years. The recent events, including the parliamentary brawl and the controversial appointments, are seen by critics as further steps in a direction that could undermine democratic checks and balances and consolidate executive power. These developments come as Turkey is also debating possible constitutional reforms and pursuing a peace initiative with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), highlighting a complex political landscape where internal divisions are increasingly pronounced.

The brawl in parliament, though quickly contained, serves as a stark visual representation of the deep polarization within Turkish politics, particularly concerning the judiciary’s perceived independence and the government’s consolidation of power. It underscores how fundamental disagreements over institutional roles and political accountability are manifesting in increasingly confrontational ways within the country’s highest legislative body.