The legacy of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, has once again come to the center of the country’s politics. During the discussion on the Union Budget of 2026, such a political confrontation was witnessed in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which raised questions on the dignity of the Parliament. The debate turned into a scuffle between MPs of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
The budget proposal was being discussed in the parliament when AKP MP Mustafa Varank made a comment on CHP chief Ozgur Özel. This comment is said to be related to some photographs taken at the grave of former MP Kamer Gench. As soon as the statement came out, anger spread in the opposition camp and the debate shifted from the budget to personal and ideological allegations and counter-allegations.
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CHP’s counterattack and allegations
In response to the AKP’s remarks, CHP Deputy Chairman Gokhan Gunaydin made a sharp statement in the House. He alleged that the ruling party is deliberately fanning the controversy to divert attention from a serious issue like the budget. During this time, a heated argument started between the two sides regarding Atatürk’s ideology and his legacy.
Ataturk’s legacy became the cause of conflict
As the debate progressed, it turned from ideological differences into a physical clash. First there was a scuffle between the MPs and then it even escalated into boxing. There was an atmosphere of chaos in the Parliament for about 10 minutes. Security personnel and other MPs somehow tried to handle the situation, but after some time the clash started again.
Budget passed despite uproar
Despite such a huge uproar, the proceedings of the Parliament were not stopped. Amidst the huge noise and tense atmosphere, the Union Budget proposal for 2026 was put for voting, which was passed by 249 votes against 320. Along with this, the final Financial Accounting Bill of 2024 was also approved with majority.
President Erdogan’s response
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed satisfaction over the passage of the budget in Parliament. He wrote on social media platform
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