Political debate can get heated at the best of times, and every once in a blue moon, politicians will spurn the verbal joust for a good ole donnybrook, because we all know nothing builds respect for political institutions like brawling legislators. Apoliticus is featuring a continued series on political brawls that are sure to get you to tuning in to C-span over The Fight Network.

On August 22nd 2007, a long simmering conflict over control of the judicial branch of government boiled over as a brawl broke out in congress amongst Bolivian politicians. Opposition leaders made an attempt to seize the dais to prevent legislators aligned with the ruling party from bringing charges against the countries highest court for suspending four of the President’s appointees.

When ruling party members tried to take back the dais, members of both sides stood on tables, yelled obscenities, threw water and more than a few punches.

The suspension of the Presidential appointees did go ahead, a decision no doubt influenced by the opposition’s prowess in a water-fight.