Romanian farmers protested in Bucharest on Thursday against the ban on sheep and goat exports, claiming losses of hundreds of millions of euros and calling for the intervention of the authorities. The demonstration degenerated into scuffles with the gendarmes, and the security forces used tear gas, reports Digi24, quoted by IPN.

The protest began in front of the headquarters of the National Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, where breeders from several counties requested to discuss with the institution’s leadership. Subsequently, the farmers moved to Victoriei Square, in front of the Government, where approximately five thousand people gathered. They demanded the resumption of exports, compensation for the losses suffered, and the resignation of the ANSVSA leadership.

The demonstration takes place against the backdrop of the crisis in the livestock sector, affected by the plague of small ruminants and by sanitary-veterinary restrictions. The European Commission has extended until December 31 the ban on sheep and goat exports from Romania to third countries, following the outbreak of a disease in Mures county.

Farmers claim that the restrictions have blocked the resumption of exports to Arab countries, and the losses for this year could exceed 300 million euros. They urgently request the lifting of trade restrictions and support measures for the affected farms.

The ANSVSA management has announced the convening of a crisis cell and stated that the institution is discussing with representatives of the European Commission to identify solutions.