Politics is often described as theater, but some lawmakers seem to think they’re on a reality TV show—and honestly, we’re here for the entertainment. Around the world, parliamentary sessions are transforming into soap operas, wrestling matches, and occasionally, cooking shows (if you count the flying pork intestines in Taiwan).

Let’s take a world tour of democracy’s most unhinged moments.

The Bill Bandit: The Greatest Political Heist of all Time (Taiwan, 2024)

Imagine this: You’re watching C-SPAN (because you’re either very intellectual or very bored), and suddenly, an MP grabs a bill and runs out of the chamber like they just robbed a bank. Welcome to Taiwan’s parliament, where debates are so intense that legislators need cardio training. When an opposition MP stole a proposed bill and made a break for it, his colleagues literally chased him down. Who knew the path to democracy involved so much sprinting?

Flying Shoes and Legislative Kung Fu (Taiwan, 2008)

Meanwhile, in Taiwan (again—because of course), a lawmaker hurled a shoe at the Speaker in 2008. The move was so effective that it became a political tradition, much like filibusters in the U.S. but with more athleticism. If things continue like this, Taiwan may need a separate section in the Olympics—Parliamentary Dodgeball.

MP Watches Football Instead of Saving the Economy (Italy, 2012)

It’s easy to get distracted at work—sometimes, you scroll through Instagram or check out cat videos. But Italian MP Simeone Di Cagno Abbrescia took it a step further—he was caught watching an AC Milan match on his tablet during a debate on Italy’s economic crisis. In his defense, the economy was already in crisis—why not focus on the real priorities?

The MP Who Let His Phone Expose Him (Great Britain, 2018)

Nothing says "serious politician" like your phone blasting loud adult content during a parliamentary session. One unfortunate UK MP fell victim to the classic "inappropriate noise prank" video, which erupted in the middle of a solemn discussion. The Speaker of the House, in classic British fashion, maintained composure, simply sighing, “Order, order.” (Translation: “Please, for the love of the Queen, turn that off.”)

Pig Intestines and Parliamentary Food Fights (Taiwan, 2020)

Taiwan really needs a referee, because their parliament has seen everything from brawls to actual food fights. In 2020, opposing lawmakers threw pig intestines at each other to protest a pork import policy. This raises several questions:

Who brings pig intestines to work?

Is there a pre-fight grocery list?

If politicians can’t agree on trade policies, could they at least open a food truck? 

New Zealand’s Sheep Heart Protest (2005): When Passion Goes Too Far 

In one of the most disgusting acts of protest ever, a New Zealand MP threw a sheep’s heart onto the parliament floor in anger. While this may have been a heartfelt (sorry) way to express frustration, it mostly left the room in horror. We can only hope they washed the carpets afterward. 

A Goat for Mayor (Brazil, 2013): Because Why Not? 

In Brazil, frustrated citizens elected a goat as a symbolic mayor to mock government corruption. The goat, named "Candidato Boca Preta," was widely praised for his policies of doing absolutely nothing—a refreshing change for some voters. At least with a goat, you know he won’t steal public funds. 

Conclusion: Democracy is Thriving—And So is the Chaos 

While some parliaments are busy making policies, others are busy throwing shoes, playing football, or wrestling each other for documents. Maybe it’s time to stop calling politics “the art of compromise” and start calling it “the world’s longest-running sitcom.” 

At this point, all we need is a theme song.