Watch: Politicians’ wild brawl in debating chamber of Turkish capital

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Council descended into chaos on Thursday as tensions over the cost of Republic Day celebrations erupted into a heated brawl.

The controversy began with reports that the municipality had allocated 69 million Turkish lira ($2 million) for a concert by popular singer Ebru Gündeş during the October 29 Republic Day festivities.

Further allegations that 71 million lira ($2.1 million) was set aside for a performance by the rock band Mor ve Ötesi fueled the outrage, with critics questioning the ethics of such lavish spending during a period of economic hardship.

The council floor turned into a scene of mayhem as members clashed fiercely over the alleged extravagance, with some arguing that the funds could have been better directed toward assisting struggling residents.

Adding to the uproar, Mayor Mansur Yavaş announced that the payment for Gündeş’s concert would be withheld—a decision that received applause from some council members and condemnation from others.

Heated words quickly escalated into physical confrontations as council members from opposing sides exchanged accusations, their tempers flaring with each remark. Some argued the council was out of touch with the needs of ordinary citizens, while others defended the concerts as vital celebrations of Turkish culture and unity.

“How can we justify this when people are struggling?” one council member shouted moments before the argument erupted into shoving and punches. Video footage captured members grappling and trading blows, their frustration boiling over as years of political grievances surfaced.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and disheartening. “This council should be about helping people, not fighting over concerts,” one observer, who preferred to remain unnamed, told local media.

“It’s a disgrace. We’re here to serve the people, and this is what they see.”