YEREVAN, October 29, 2026 — A heated political debate in Armenia’s National Assembly turned into a physical confrontation Thursday morning, as lawmakers from the ruling party and opposition exchanged punches and kicks inside the parliamentary chamber.
Several lawmakers were injured, an ambulance was called, and parliamentary security intervened to restore order.
The incident occurred during a debate over the appointment of a member of Armenia’s Audit Chamber, the institution responsible for overseeing public finances.
Political Dispute Turns Into Physical Violence
The confrontation began during a speech by Taron Chakhoyan, a member of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s ruling Civil Contract party.
Chakhoyan criticized opposition lawmakers and made remarks about the family of Narek Karapetyan, leader of the opposition Strong Armenia faction.
He referred to a previous controversial proposal by one of Karapetyan’s relatives to establish a ministry that would supposedly address women’s needs.
Karapetyan reacted angrily from his seat, leading to a verbal exchange between the two lawmakers.
Within moments, opposition members approached the parliamentary podium, and the confrontation escalated into pushing, punching, and kicking.
Other lawmakers attempted to separate those involved, but the fighting continued.
Chair Thrown, Several Lawmakers Injured
According to Armenian media reports and video footage from the parliamentary session, Deputy Speaker Vahagn Aleksanyan, a member of the ruling party, threw a chair toward opposition lawmakers during the confrontation.
Opposition lawmaker Andranik Gevorgyan suffered a bleeding nose, while another opposition member, Ruben Mkhitaryan, had his clothing torn during the altercation.
An ambulance arrived at the parliament building following the incident.
Parliament Speaker Ruben Rubinyan initially declined to suspend the session, saying he wanted the public to witness the lawmakers’ behavior.
However, as the confrontation continued, he eventually announced a recess and called parliamentary security officers into the chamber.
Tensions reportedly continued in the hallways even after the session was interrupted.
Government and Opposition Blame Each Other
Following the incident, Speaker Rubinyan accused opposition leader Narek Karapetyan of initiating the confrontation.
He argued that Karapetyan had interrupted another lawmaker’s speech and attempted to physically confront him.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also placed responsibility on the opposition, while defending the actions of lawmakers from his ruling party.
Opposition representatives, meanwhile, criticized the ruling party’s remarks and the violence that followed.
The opposing accounts highlight the deep political divisions within Armenia’s parliament.
Parliament Session Disrupted
The brawl forced parliamentary proceedings to be temporarily suspended, interrupting debate over the appointment to the Audit Chamber.
The incident was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media, attracting attention beyond Armenia.
The confrontation has raised renewed concerns about political tensions and parliamentary conduct in the country.
What began as a political disagreement inside Armenia’s legislature ended in physical violence, leaving lawmakers injured and parliamentary proceedings disrupted.
Sources: Armenpress, NEWS.am, Panorama.am and bne IntelliNews, October 29, 2026.
By NJ RADAR Team