Armenia Parliament erupts in violence during heated debate

A violent confrontation broke out in the Armenian Parliament between members of the ruling Civil Contract party and the pro-Russian Armenia Forte opposition. The physical altercation, which included punching, kicking, and the throwing of chairs, followed a dispute over a controversial proposal regarding a purported “Ministry of Sex” attributed to the Armenia Forte party.

During the clash, Deputy Speaker Vahagn Aleksanyan was seen throwing a chair, and one deputy was sprayed with water. The tension escalated after ruling party representative Taron Chakhoyan accused the opposition of corruption and nepotism.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan condemned the violence but expressed support for the actions taken by the Civil Contract faction, describing the response as “proportionate and correct.” In contrast, Armenia Forte representatives characterized the brawl as a “normal man-to-man combat, Armenian style,” while calling on the government to address crucial questions regarding national security and unilateral concessions to Azerbaijan.