A debate over a proposed “Ministry of Marital Relations” turned violent in Armenia’s parliament after lawmakers from the ruling and opposition parties exchanged punches and threw objects at each other.
The proposal, which aims to tackle falling birth rates and improve satisfaction in domestic relationships, was being discussed by members of the ruling Civil Contract party and the opposition Strong Armenia party.
The disagreement began after a ruling party lawmaker criticised the opposition’s unusual policy plan and demanded an apology over how the proposed ministry described citizens.
The argument soon turned physical, forcing security officials to step in and temporarily suspend the parliamentary session as they tried to restore order.
The opposition had earlier defended the proposed ministry, arguing that improving relationships and personal fulfilment could help increase the country’s population.
“Can we now actually say that in a strong Armenia there will be no unsatisfied women?” an opposition figure had said while defending the idea.
Following the fight, the opposition leader appeared to support the confrontation, saying: “People who had been getting on our nerves for months got it right in the mouth – and got it good,”
However, members of the ruling coalition condemned the incident, describing the proposal as inappropriate and insisting that lawmakers must maintain order in parliament.
“It won’t work to provoke a fight and escape from the National Assembly session hall without getting beaten,” a ruling party lawmaker said.
The incident adds to growing tensions between political groups over government policies and conduct in parliament.
