The Ukrainian parliament had to be suspended after fighting broke out between politicians.
The brawl was between members of the president’s party and a far-right opposition faction.
It started when one of the president’s supporters accused MPs from the far-right of being neo-fascists after they booed a speech he made.
Several fights broke out simultaneously and at one point a woman was drawn into the fray.
Video shows some MPs climbing on the benches to launch themselves at others.
As tempers boiled over, the speaker can be heard imploring them to “calm down”.
MPs had been due to debate the mayoral elections in Kiev.
Ugly scenes in the Ukrainian parliament are not unusual. Last May, violence erupted during a debate on plans to give Russians equal status to Ukrainians in some parts of the country.
In December there was another brawl as politicians gathered to pick a speaker.
I – Word Understanding
Brawl – to fight noisily, usually in public
Faction – a group within a bigger group that has different ideas
Neo-fascist – against the parliament
II – Have your say
1.How do politicians in your country behave in situations like this?
2.Politics fun facts: “Poli” in Latin meaning “many” and “tics” meaning “bloodsucking creatures.”
What is your view on politics?
3.What do you consider ideal age for politicians?
