Photo: Profimedia Images
As previously reported by Logos Press, Romanian sheep farmers had announced a large-scale protest in Bucharest. The demonstration, originally planned as an expression of the farmers’ pent-up discontent, ultimately turned into serious clashes.
Why did the farmers take to the streets?
According to Romanian media reports, the protests were triggered by stringent restrictions: a ban on the export of Romanian sheep and goats to third countries until the end of 2026, as well as bans in force within the EU due to outbreaks of small ruminant plague and sheep pox.
The protesters are also outraged that they have not been paid the promised compensation for culled livestock, and have stated their intention to remain in the square until all their demands are met.
Among their main demands were the immediate resumption of exports, an end to the mass culling of animals in quarantine zones, compensation for drought-related losses, a review of hunting laws, and the removal of brown bears—which attack flocks—from the list of strictly protected species.
The rally was initially peaceful, but the situation escalated towards midday. Groups of demonstrators breached the security barriers, blocked the carriageway and brought traffic in the city centre to a standstill. Bottles and other objects were thrown at the gendarmes, to which the security forces responded with tear gas.
According to the gendarmerie, 24 people required medical attention, including eight law enforcement officers injured during the operation. Four of them – including one gendarme – were hospitalised.
In addition, around 26 participants in the disturbances were taken from the scene to police stations to establish the circumstances and take legal action.
Representatives of official farmers’ associations stated that the unrest had been instigated by agitators.
The authorities’ response
Ilie Bolojan, Romania’s acting Prime Minister, called on the protesters to remain calm and emphasised that the government was prepared to address the sector’s problems within the framework of the law.
The government emphasised that no representative association of sheep farmers had taken part in this demonstration, and that some of the demands raised had already been discussed during six previous rounds of negotiations held since 9 July between the authorities and the actual market leaders.
Commenting on the situation regarding livestock exports, the government stated that the ANSVSA Association had submitted an action plan to the European Commission to unblock supplies, and that exports would be able to resume once it had been approved.
With regard to the compulsory culling of animals to eliminate the risks of rinderpest or smallpox, the authorities noted that this measure had been applied in exceptional circumstances where no other alternatives remained, and promised to act in the same way in future.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched targeted inspections of leasing procedures on local pastures and announced the creation of an information system to track livestock movements in real time, with a view to combating illegal transport.
In response to calls for compensation, the government stated that it had drawn up a proposal for payments to cover damage to pastures caused by drought, the implementation of which depends on securing substantial financial resources. It has also, in collaboration with various associations, drawn up a draft law on compensation for additional feeding costs, which, due to the limited powers of the caretaker government, must be approved by parliament.
The President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, reacted strongly to the events in Victoria Square. He stated that attacks, aggression and vandalism are unacceptable and must be strictly punished in accordance with the law.
“I call for reason and responsibility. Dialogue remains the only path capable of offering solutions,” said Nicușor Dan.
The Head of State emphasised that violence cannot justify any discontent. He also specifically condemned the actions of irresponsible politicians attempting to artificially heighten social tensions and disrupt a lawful rally.
Recalling that the right to peaceful protest and the public expression of opinion are guaranteed by the Constitution and form the basis of a democratic society, the President highlighted the damaging role of hate speech online, which leads to such dramatic consequences, and called for reason and dialogue as the only way to resolve problems.
Follow our updates
Have information for the newsroom? Share it with Logos-Press
