Livestock farmers protest against government foot-and-mouth disease measures

On Friday morning, members of the union 'Voice of Livestock Breeders' gathered at the GSP stadium in Nicosia to protest government handling of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. The farmers intended to march to the presidential palace to demand a suspension of culling operations and compensation for affected producers. Police intervened at the GSP stadium, blocking tractors and trucks from leaving the area. Union president Neophytos Neophytou stated that authorities failed to honor earlier agreements regarding the protest and the testing process for infected animals. While the union claimed a prior agreement was reached to perform repeat testing on samples, Neophytou reported that authorities have provided no further response. Authorities maintained that police presence and cordons were established to ensure public order and manage traffic. Farmers expressed a total loss of trust in the Veterinary Services and the Ministry of Agriculture. The protest highlighted ongoing tension between the agricultural sector and state officials over crisis management approaches.