Romanian farmers clash with police in Bucharest over EU livestock ban

Footage shows protesters pushing and scuffling with security forces, throwing objects and knocking down barriersbefore gendarmes deployed tear gas.

The demonstration began peacefully in Victory Square (Piața Victoriei), where farmers gathered to protest problems affecting the livestock and farming sectors. Tensions later escalated when some protesters tried to block roads around the square and confronted gendarmes, who responded with tear gas.

The protest was organised by Romanian sheep farmers and other agricultural producers, with several hundred to more than 1,000 people taking part. Organisers had called on protesters to bring sheep, tractors and hay bales to the square, but restrictions prevented live animals and heavy machinery from entering the demonstration area.

Farmers were protesting an EU-wide ban on exports of live sheep and goats from Romania, extended until 31 December 2026 following outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants and sheep pox. They also called for better compensation for animals culled because of the outbreaks and for crops affected by drought.

Protesters further demanded the resignation of Alexandru Bociu, head of Romania’s National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA), over his handling of the epidemiological situation.

At least three protesters required medical attention after being exposed to tear gas and were treated at the scene. No law enforcement officers were reported injured, while two participants were taken to a police station for questioning.

Traffic around the square, including the Victoria Underpass and Kiseleff Boulevard, was blocked for several hours before being reopened.