Ukraine Parliament erupts in brawl as PM re-appointed

KIEV - Agence France-Presse

Opposition deputies fight with deputies of the majority party amid calls for calm during the opening of the newly elected Ukrainian Parliament. AFP photo

The Ukrainian Parliament Dec. 13 voted to reinstate its premier after dozens of opposition and pro-government lawmakers brawled for a second day in the chamber notorious for its fisticuffs.

Newly-elected world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko stayed well out of the fighting that came just before Parliament voted to re-appoint Prime Minister Mykola Azarov. Opposition factions, including those close to jailed ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko did not back Azarov. Deputies in suits climbed on tables, shouted and grappled with opponents in a protest against lawmakers pressing electronic buttons to vote for absentee colleagues. Opposition politicians rose to their feet and rushed to blockade the speaker’s tribune, while being pushed back by pro-government lawmakers.