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Turkey's Parliament Erupts in Brawl Over Ministerial Appointments

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A brawl erupted in Turkey's parliament on February 11, 2026, over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's appointment of Akin Gürlek as Justice Minister.
Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmakers tried to block Gürlek from taking the oath, citing his Istanbul Chief Prosecutor role in politically charged trials against CHP.
The altercation led to physical confrontations and a temporary adjournment.
Erdogan also appointed Mustafa Çiftçi as interior minister.

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Story summary

A brawl erupted in Turkey's parliament on February 11, 2026, over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's appointment of Akin Gürlek as Justice Minister.
Republican People's Party (CHP) lawmakers tried to block Gürlek from taking the oath, citing his Istanbul Chief Prosecutor role in politically charged trials against CHP.
The altercation led to physical confrontations and a temporary adjournment.
Erdogan also appointed Mustafa Çiftçi as interior minister.