Clashes erupt at Romanian sheep farmers’ protest in Bucharest

A protest by Romanian sheep farmers outside the government headquarters in Bucharest's Victoria Square escalated into serious clashes between groups of demonstrators and law enforcement officers, with gendarmes using tear gas to bring the situation under control, local media reported.

More than 1,000 sheep farmers from across Romania protested in central Bucharest on Tuesday, with the initially peaceful demonstration later escalating into clashes with law enforcement officers, CE Report quotes BTA.

The farmers called for the resignation of Alexandru Bociu, head of the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority. They accuse him of mishandling outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants (PPR), which has led to a halt in exports of live animals. Representatives of the sector also oppose planned mandatory vaccination of livestock and are calling for compensation for culled animals.

The protest began peacefully, amid a heavy police presence and intense media interest, according to BTA's correspondent at the scene. Most demonstrators carried Romanian flags and shepherds' crooks, while some wore traditional shepherds' cloaks and fur hats. A large banner reading "Respect for Sheep Farmers. Respect for Romania" was displayed prominently.

The protest later escalated into clashes after a group of demonstrators began throwing objects at law enforcement officers, Digi24 and Agerpres reported. Protesters broke through the police cordon and blocked traffic on Kiseleff Boulevard. Gendarmes used tear gas to disperse them and restore order.

A total of 24 people sought medical assistance, including eight law enforcement officers. Twenty-six protesters were detained and taken to police stations to establish their identities and document alleged acts of hooliganism. They are also expected to face administrative fines.

According to preliminary information from the Bucharest Gendarmerie, there were likely "infiltrators and agitators" among the protesters who attempted to provoke the unrest.

Political supporters also joined the demonstration. An elderly man was seen early in the protest holding a placard reading "Calin Georgescu is president", while a group of protesters later chanted the name of the former far-right candidate in the annulled 2024 presidential election. Supporters of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) and SOS Romania also joined the demonstration, local media reported.

"I hear, as always, that the totalitarian state is trying to pull various tricks. Be careful not to get involved and do not fall for provocations by infiltrators," AUR leader George Simion said on his official Facebook account.

The protesting sheep farmers said they were prepared to remain in Bucharest and continue their demonstrations for several days. They also drew up a list of demands, which they submitted to the government.

Meanwhile, the government press service said that none of the organizations officially representing sheep farmers was present at the protest in Victoria Square.

Romanian President Nicusor Dan was also quick to react. "I strongly condemn such actions, as well as any attempt to turn a legitimate protest into street clashes," he said on his official Facebook account.

He said that attacks, acts of aggression and vandalism must be strictly sanctioned in accordance with the law. "No grievance can justify such behaviour or putting other citizens on the streets at risk. Equally serious and reprehensible is incitement to violence and attempts by irresponsible politicians to artificially escalate public tensions in order to appropriate a legitimate rally prompted by legitimate grievances," Dan added, calling for dialogue as the only way to find solutions.

"The difficult social, economic and political context is real and has given rise to serious and legitimate discontent in our society. Violence, however, has never been, and never will be, a solution. Unfortunately, we are witnessing how hate speech (...) leads to serious consequences and escalates into regrettable actions. I call for reason and responsibility," the president said.

Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said he had taken note of the farmers' demands. The government press service, however, said the representative organization of sheep farmers did not take part in the demonstration and some of the demands had been discussed at six meetings between sector representatives and the authorities.

In June, the European Commission extended until December 31, 2026, a ban on exports of sheep and goats from Romania following the emergence of a new outbreak of PPR.

The decision followed an outbreak in the northern county of Mures and the European Commission's assessment of an increased risk of the disease spreading.

Photo: Chat GPT