Newsroom
A mass protest by livestock farmers will take place on Thursday at the Rizoelia roundabout, as frustration grows over animal culling linked to foot-and-mouth disease and the lack of progress in discussions with authorities.
Farmers will gather at 11:00 a.m., partially closing the roundabout by blocking one traffic lane in each direction, while allowing vehicles to continue using the remaining lanes. “Our aim is not to inconvenience the public,” said their representative, Stella Petrou.
The decision to continue with the protest follows a meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Director General, Andreas Grigoriou, which, according to Petrou, “did not yield the desired results.” She stressed that “there has been no positive development from the Ministry regarding the issue of animal culling,” a central concern for the sector.
Farmers from all districts are expected to attend, calling for an end to mass culling practices on farms where only a limited number of cases have been detected. Authorities have indicated that a compensation list for affected farmers is expected by Monday.
During discussions with the Ministry, farmers also raised the issue of grazing, pointing out that increased vegetation combined with high temperatures is increasing the risk of wildfires. They are calling for immediate examination of the matter.
Police say preparations are already in place to manage both the protest and scheduled official activities tied to the Cypriot Presidency. Police spokesperson Vyronas Vyronos stated that measures have been taken to ensure traffic flow and the smooth conduct of events. He added that there is a plan for immediate intervention if the informal summit scheduled for 18:00 is affected, with European leaders expected to arrive earlier in the day. Authorities say all necessary steps will be taken to avoid disruption.
At the same time, the situation within the livestock sector is becoming increasingly severe. Representatives describe intense financial strain and psychological pressure affecting farmers, particularly younger professionals who say they can no longer meet their obligations.
Petrou shared accounts from individuals in the sector who are expressing despair about their future. Some have spoken about extreme ways to survive, including selling drugs, while in one case a farmer mentioned suicide.
Farmers warn that urgent support is needed, stating that without meaningful intervention, conditions for both the sector and the people working in it will continue to deteriorate.
