Debate Over ‘Laughter’ and ‘Headscarf’ in the General Assembly
Tension Rises in Turkish Parliament During Budget Discussions
During the budget discussions of the ministries of National Education and Family and Social Services in the Turkish Grand National Assembly, a tense exchange occurred between AK Party and CHP deputies. The incident began when Muğla Deputy Gizem Özcan, speaking on behalf of the CHP Group, addressed the budget of the Ministry of Family and Social Services. While discussing the issue of violence and murder against women in Turkey, Özcan turned to the AK Party ranks and reprimanded them, saying, “Don’t laugh, why are you laughing?” This led to a heated argument between the AK Party and CHP members, causing both groups to stand up and exchange words.
AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Özlem Zengin later approached Parliament Deputy Speaker Gülizar Biçer Karaca, expressing dissatisfaction with the accusation that the AK Party members were laughing. The Parliament Deputy Speaker, on the other hand, stated that she would allow the orator to finish their speech before giving the floor to the opposing party. Following this, AK Party MPs left the General Assembly hall in protest, prompting CHP members to react by claiming that the AK Party MPs were protesting their own budget.
After the session was adjourned, a headscarf debate erupted between the CHP and AK Party Group Deputy Chairmen. CHP Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Basarir expressed gratitude to the CHP group for teaching the AK Party group how to protest. In response, AK Party Group Deputy Chairman Özlem Zengin asserted that they did not need to learn how to take action and defended the party’s stance on the headscarf.
The heated exchange in the Turkish Parliament reflects the ongoing political tensions in the country and highlights the deep ideological divisions between the ruling party and the opposition. The incident also underscores the challenges of engaging in civil discourse and constructive dialogue in the political arena.
