Democratic dust-up: Turkish MPs brawl over Erdogan's powers

Fists flew in Turkey's parliament on Wednesday, as lawmakers came to blows during a debate over a constitutional reform package that aims to increase the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The president's party claims that the legislation will give Turkey the strong leadership needed to avoid the weak coalition politics of the past.

The clash broke out after opposition lawmaker Ozgur Ozel told ruling AK party lawmakers, "You are trying to destroy yourselves when the TV is off and nobody sees. We won't let it happen," according to Anadolu.

Opposition CHP deputies also raised objections when AKP members cast votes without entering cabins during the secret ballot.

AKP MPs then attempted to snatch the mobile phone of a CHP lawmaker who was video recording the fracas.

Despite the commotion, articles three, four and five of the 18-article bill were passed in the parliamentary session, which ran into Thursday.

To go to a referendum, the bill requires the support of at least 330 deputies from 550-seat assembly. Erdogan's AKP has 316 deputies eligible to vote, along with another 39 from the allied MHP party. 

Articles three, four and five were passed with at least 341 votes in favour each.

If passed, the reform will allow Erdogan to hire and fire government ministers, regain leadership of the AKP and lead the country until 2029.