Kicks and punches rain in Maldives Parliament during special session

The men responsible for making laws were busy engaging in fistfights in the Maldivian parliament. A clash had erupted during a special session convened to get parliament's approval for the ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet.

A scuffle ensued after the opposition MPs from the Maldivian Democratic Party were allegedly prevented from entering the parliament by the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC) alliance, who were upset that four of its members didn't get approval to join the cabinet.

MDP wields a significant majority in the parliament. Several clips shared online on Sunday showed parliamentarians exchanging kicks and blows, and an MP's hair being pulled.

The ruling alliances said that the opposition MPs decision to not accept the ministers of Muizzu's cabinet could hinder progress and called for the resignation of the speaker of parliament.

The ruling coalition parties in a statement framed the ministers' rejection as an obstacle to public service delivery, local news outlet Adhadhu reported.

Chief advisor to Muizzu and PNC chairperson Abdul Raheem Abdullah defended the ministers' right to be reappointed, even without authorisation, and criticised the refusal to approve them as irresponsible.

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(With inputs from agencies)