Armenian MPs clash over corruption claims and proposed ministry
MPs from Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract party and the opposition Strong Armenia party fought in parliament after an argument over corruption allegations and a proposal for a “Ministry of Sex”. The brawl, which included punches and a thrown chair, unfolded during a live broadcast watched by thousands, drawing attention to the sharp political tensions.
Ruling-party MP Taron Chakhoyan accused opposition leader Narek Karapetyan’s family of involvement in politics and referred to a proposal by Karapetyan’s cousin, Sargis, for a ministry intended to “satisfy all women”. Speaker Ruben Rubinyan declined to suspend the session, saying he wanted people to see the scenes. Chakhoyan later apologised, while Karapetyan called the fight a “normal Armenian-style man-to-man fight”; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan criticised the conduct and threatened to break the arm of anyone who attacked an MP.
In short
- Armenian MPs fought after a row over corruption and a proposed ministry.
- The brawl took place during a live parliamentary broadcast.
- The prime minister condemned attacks on MPs and issued a warning.
Explained simply
Armenia is a parliamentary republic, where elected MPs debate laws and scrutinise the government. Civil Contract, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is the governing party; Strong Armenia is an opposition party led by Narek Karapetyan.
The argument involved corruption allegations against Karapetyan’s family and a proposal by his cousin, Sargis, for a ministry described as being intended to “satisfy all women”. The dispute matters because it brought personal accusations and a controversial policy idea into parliament, where tensions between the governing party and opposition were already on display.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Moment MP hurls chair and punches are thrown in brawl inside Armenia’s parliament”.