Dec 10, 2021: Turkey’s parliament has been embroiled in controversy, insults and brawling this week as lawmakers debate budgets and policies, while the economy is in the throes of a currency crash and inflation.

Late on Wednesday, a heated debate over the budget between Interior Minister Suleiman Soylu and an opposition lawmaker escalated into a brawl in which dozens of members began pushing and shoving each other in the chamber.

Erkan Aydin, a main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy, asked Soylu why he used a plane belonging to a businessman accused of money laundering. Aydin produced a picture purporting to show the minister on the plane.

“You’re lying! You are a liar!” Soylu responded, triggering the scuffles between CHP and ruling AK Party (AKP) lawmakers.

The uproar in parliament reflects tensions on the streets where many Turks have struggled to buy enough food and medicine, and have seen their budgets upended, as the lira depreciated by 30% last month and inflation soared to more than 21%.

Aggressive interest rate cuts have led to a market crash. Despite widespread criticism, President Tayyip Erdogan has backed the policy as part of a new economic program that he says emphasizes exports, credit and economic growth.

Tensions also erupted in parliament on Monday when AKP lawmakers intervened and insulted CHP leader Kamal Klikdar Oglu for criticizing the government’s economic management, and used obscene had gestures.

Kilicdaroglu said the government put European and U.S. inflation “on the backs” of Turks with its burdensome economic policy. In response, the AKP called for punitive measures against Kilicdaroglu as part of parliamentary regulations.

Erdogan later said his opponent’s gesture was rude.

“We leave it to our nation to evaluate what those who lose themselves to such a degree even by dreaming of power will bring to the head of the country,” Erdogan said.

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