Chaos In Parliament As Lawmakers Clash Over Plan To Establish Marriage Ministry

Lawmakers in Armenia have engaged in a physical confrontation inside parliament following a heated debate over an opposition proposal to establish a “Ministry of Marital Relations”.

The unusual proposal, introduced by the opposition Strong Armenia party, seeks to address the country’s declining birth rate by improving domestic relationships and tackling dissatisfaction among couples.

The disagreement broke out during a National Assembly session involving lawmakers from the Strong Armenia party and the ruling Civil Contract party.
Tensions reportedly escalated after a ruling party legislator criticised the opposition’s policy proposal and demanded an apology over what he considered an inappropriate description of citizens.

The verbal exchange soon turned physical, with lawmakers allegedly exchanging punches and throwing objects across the parliamentary chamber.
The disorder forced the temporary suspension of the session as security officials intervened to separate the politicians and restore order.

Strong Armenia had defended its proposed ministry as a practical response to Armenia’s demographic challenges, arguing that improving family relationships and personal fulfilment could encourage population growth.

An opposition figure had earlier questioned whether the proposal would ensure that women were satisfied with their relationships, asking: “Can we now actually say that in a strong Armenia there will be no unsatisfied women?”

Following the confrontation, the opposition leader appeared to defend the actions of his party members, saying: “People who had been getting on our nerves for months got it right in the mouth – and got it good.”

However, lawmakers from the ruling coalition condemned the violence, insisting that disagreements over policy should not result in physical attacks inside the National Assembly.

A ruling party lawmaker also criticised the opposition’s conduct, saying: “It won’t work to provoke a fight and escape from the National Assembly session hall without getting beaten.”