The farmers who took to the streets with their tractors blocked the access road to the Leușeni border crossing point. The Border Police and the Customs Service said that vehicle traffic there is gridlocked, IPN reports.

“Joint teams of the General Border Police Inspectorate, the Hâncești Police Inspectorate and the National Public Security Inspectorate are on site to maintain public order and restore traffic flow. In this situation, we recommend travelers to opt in advance for the available alternatives, such as the Sculeni, Costești or Leova-Bumbăta border crossing points so as to avoid possible inconvenience and delays,” the two institutions noted.

In connection with the protests, Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, Minister of Agriculture, went on Wednesday to Cahul, which was most seriously affected by drought in 2023. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry said that a number of aspects were clarified in discussions with farmers. It was mentioned that, in order to mitigate the impact of last year’s drought in the southern districts of the country, the farmers will be paid by up to 2,500 lei per hectare. When the decision is published in the Official Gazette, a call for applications will be launched.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and research institutes set the task of developing special programs for agricultural development for the southern area of the Republic of Moldova. The agricultural sector will be supported by research to respond efficiently to the new needs and trends,” reads a press release of the institution.

On Wednesday, the farmers who blocked access to the Leușeni border crossing point said they wanted to talk not to the Minister of Agriculture, but to the Prime Minister or the Speaker of Parliament.

The authorities announced that they will hold a meeting with farmers on Friday and Prime Minister Dorin Recean will take part in this.