Seriously, is there any more edifying spectacle on this great Earth of ours than the sight of democratically elected, middle-aged, men and women throwing haymakers at each other in the middle of a parliamentary debate? Doesn't it just make you think "Yesssssss! Politics!". Or to put it in
Big Ass Message format (that link comes with both a bad language and epilepsy warning, but man Big Ass Message is like the best thing that has ever happened to the Internet). So I thought I'd compile for you a selection of some of the hardest hitting, bitch slapping-est parliamentary brawl videos I could find. So brace yourselves, slap on your favourite
Mexican wrestling mask, and get ready for a tour into legislatures that are, shall we say, more kinetic than ours.
America: Things get heated at a City Council meeting in California. This woman would do well on the Italian national soccer team, because that is one of the most outrageous dives I have ever seen.
The Czech Republic: Wherein the Vice President of the Czech Republic smacks the Health Minister across the back of the head. To much applause. I wish Gillard would do that to Conroy.
Best translation of events from the comments:
His name is Dr.Macek and he said: Please allow me then I begin moderate, tackle one absolutely extrajudicial thing thank you - slap (whipping-boy is minister of health service dr.Rath)
Macek:He deserved it.
Rath:Mr. minister we dont dispose it here but you atacked me cowardly form the back why you dont set me en face as guy.You are doughface!
---fight---.Involution:Rath dished dirt maceks wife if i remeber it right
Heh. Doughface.
South Korea: Doing wonders for Asian stereotypes everywhere, a political altercation in South Korea is quickly resolved with recourse to a Judo throw.
Bolivia: Say what you will about the Bolivians, they don't hold back when the opportunity to punch their fellow parliamentarians comes up. I also love the fact someone appears to be throwing confetti throughout. I know it's a completely different country, but with the benefit of some mariachi music, I think this clip would really come alive.
Russia: Not technically violent or parliamentary, but in a place as apocalyptically depressing as Russia, politics needs all the whimsy it can get. And nothing screams whimsy like a Peniscopter invading a press conference being held by Chess Grandmaster Garry Kasparov.
Taiwan: As if to make up for the oppressive, non-democratic ways of their mainland Chinese cousins, Taiwan has elevated Parliamentary debate to a surprisingly violent art. Featuring:
Shoe-throwing
Bitch-slapping and hat removal
Or just punching set to ominous music
Now there's a legislative process you can get excited about!
South Korea (again): Things got really hectic in South Korea's National Assembly. Think the bill in question had something do with media ownership rights. So many great moments. The lady screaming at the beginning, the wild flailing at 0:23, the hurling of projectiles and the apparent stealing of office furniture towards the end.
Although, in happy news, the bill ended up passing, so that's a victory for democracy then.
I couldn't help but feel the occasional brawl would really spice up Australia's political system. Yeah. That would be hot. I just want to see Abbott and Rudd greased up and wrestling naked on the floor of... the... uh... oh... You should probably ignore that.