The physical fight that erupted inside the Italian Parliament on 27 October over pension reforms caused quite a stir — but it was by no means the first time politicians have come to blows. Here, we present an assorted collection of parliamentary pugilism that makes The Thick Of It‘s Malcolm Tucker look like a pacifist. Judging from these clips, Bob Dylan might have had it right when he hummed “democracy don’t rule the world, you’d better get that in your head; this world is ruled by violence.”
Ukraine – April 2010
This footage, showing carnage inside the Ukrainian parliament, ranks highly on our list of “low-lights”, if only for the sheer variation of methods of attack employed. The speaker, Volodymyr Litvyn, was shielded by umbrellas as opposition members hurled hundreds of eggs. Several smoke bombs are also thrown, in protest against Viktor Yanukovych’s newly formed coalition passing a motion allowing the Russian navy to extend its stay in a Ukrainian port until 2042.
India – June 2007
Before a debate over a sensitive civil-rights issue had even begun, members of minority parties converged on the House Leader’s bench, quickly sparking a violent free-for-all. Gandhi would have wept if he had seen how quickly the debate descended into all-out war, with seriously dangerous-looking metal microphone stands becoming menacing projectiles.
South Korea – July 2009
Here, hundreds of lawmakers clash over plans to ease restrictions on the ownership of television networks. The chaotic scenes began after members of the ruling Grand National Party attempted to rush the bill through, only for opposition parties to barricade the main entrance to the National Assembly. After a concerted surge, GNP members gained entrance and a full-scale brawl ensued. This video stands out for the scale of the fight, which seemed to involve the entire parliament and notably, its female contingent. The bill was eventually passed.
Taiwan – July 2010
The accompanying Metro headline for this confrontation read “Taiwan parliament descends into traditional massive fight”, as similar clashes had occurred only months earlier. Along with the usual punches and kicks, legislators can be seen flinging rubbish bins and jostling for space on the speaker’s podium, as if any words could calm the situation down. The fight broke out between the ruling Kuomintang party and the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, after calls to discuss a controversial trade-pact with China were rejected.
United States: Alabama Senate – June 2007
In explanation for this seemingly unprovoked attack on Democratic Senator Lowell Barron, 65, Republican Senator Charles Bishop claimed he had been called a “Sonuvabitch”. He went on, “where I grew up, that’s someone talkin’ bad about your mother”, and so “I responded with my right fist”. Quite how 69-year-old Bishop became so aggrieved by this supposed slight against his (admittedly”long-dead”) mother is unclear, but it shows how tensions can rapidly boil over even in an otherwise sedate atmosphere. It seems that when it comes to acting like children, old-age is no barrier.
Judo-politician
Finally, the case of the mysterious politician who can be seen calmly flipping his opponent through the air. Details of the origins of the clip are fairly sparse, but it has to rank as a favourite. The film has become a YouTube sensation and contrasts to the scenes of all-out mayhem witnessed above. As one of the comments succintly points out: “When engaging in a political brawl, its best to stay away from Judo practitioners.”
Content from our partners
Related
