The protest of Romanian farmers and livestock producers against the export ban escalated into clashes

On Tuesday in the capital of Romania, about 2,000 people gathered outside the government building to protest against the extension of the ban on the export of live sheep. This restriction was introduced by the European Union amid the spread of the highly contagious peste des petits ruminants. Earlier, Romanian sheep farmers had already held protest rallies near the government building in late July. The current ban is set to expire at the end of 2026.

During the rally, some participants demanded the abolition of the ban and began throwing stones, metal barriers, and other objects at law enforcement officers. Police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. According to official data from the special forces, 26 people were detained. Medical assistance was required for 24 demonstrators and police officers, with four of the injured being hospitalized with injuries, including bone fractures and the effects of gas exposure.

The rally was organized by groups of farmers and livestock producers with the support and encouragement of far-right forces. Participants held banners calling for the resignation of the country's president and prime minister, and chanted the name of former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu. Supporters of Georgescu had previously called on social media to join the action. George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party, stated on social media that his organization supported the farmers, but called for a peaceful demonstration.

The government and the opposition condemned the violence and urged the protesters to remain calm. President Nicușor Dan described the incident as extremely serious unrest and condemned any attempts to turn a legitimate protest into a street brawl. These events are taking place against the backdrop of a protracted political crisis and the highest inflation in the European Union in this country of 19 million people.