Romanian farmers clash with police over EU sheep export ban
Approximately 2,000 farmers and shepherds protested in Bucharest against a European Union ban on live sheep exports, which was imposed following an outbreak of ovine rinderpest. The demonstration became violent when protesters threw rocks and metal barriers at riot police, who responded with tear gas. Twenty-four people, including eight gendarmes, were injured, and 26 protesters were detained.
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On Tuesday, violent clashes erupted in Bucharest when around 2,000 farmers and shepherds gathered outside the Romanian government building to protest an EU ban on live sheep exports. The ban was imposed due to an outbreak of ovine rinderpest, a highly contagious disease affecting small ruminants. During the demonstration, some protesters threw rocks and metal barriers at riot police, who responded with tear gas. The clashes resulted in 24 injuries, including eight among police officers, and led to the detention of 26 protesters.
The demonstration was called by farmer and shepherd groups and occurred amid high inflation in Romania. Many protesters displayed banners calling for the resignation of Romania's president and prime minister. Some demonstrators chanted the name of Calin Georgescu, a far-right politician and former presidential candidate. Georgescu is currently on trial following allegations against constitutional order, which emerged after the annulment of Romania's 2024 presidential election. George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians, stated that his party "stands with the farmers" while emphasising the need for peaceful protest.
The Romanian government responded by stating that the protest had "degenerated into regrettable acts of violence" and appealed for calm. President Nicusor Dan condemned the unrest as "extremely serious."
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