Newsroom
Frustrated livestock farmers returned to the streets Friday, bringing their protest over the government’s handling of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak directly to the Presidential Palace in a tense demonstration that once again highlighted growing anger in rural Cyprus.
After hours of uncertainty and negotiations with police, protesters were eventually allowed to move from the GSP area to the Presidential Palace using three trucks and several passenger vehicles.
The demonstration was organized by the group “Voice of Livestock Farmers,” whose members say many farmers feel abandoned as authorities continue culling animals at infected units.
Outside the palace, protesters expressed outrage over what they described as inadequate compensation payments, with some claiming they had either received very little money or nothing at all.
“The compensation is meager,” several farmers repeated during the protest, arguing that years of work and investment in their herds cannot simply be replaced with small payouts.
For many livestock breeders, the issue goes beyond money.
Some described the culling of animals as emotionally devastating, especially for smaller family-run farms where livestock are not just income but part of daily life and identity. Others also criticized veterinarians and state services for the way inspections and disease-control measures have been carried out.
The farmers requested a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides, though officials said he was in a meeting at the time and it remained unclear whether he would eventually receive them.
Earlier in the day, tensions escalated near the GSP stadium after police initially blocked protesters from driving their trucks to the Presidential Palace.
The situation sparked concern among authorities because the Cyprus football cup final is also taking place Friday, raising fears over traffic disruption and public order.
At one stage, protesters threatened further action if they were prevented from continuing, with reports suggesting some discussed blocking ports and airports.
“We came to protest peacefully. Instead, we see people ready for repression,” said Neophytos Neophytou, president of the “Voice of Livestock Farmers.”
Police later confirmed that special arrangements had been agreed upon with organizers to allow the protest to proceed “with safety, order, and mutual respect” while minimizing disruption to the public.
Authorities said they had been in communication with organizers since Thursday to ensure the demonstration remained peaceful.
