The police surrounded the Government Building after the farmers who protested in the central square of Chisinau tried to enter the building by force so as to discuss with Prime Minister Ion Chicu. After a number of unsuccessful attempts, the protesters returned to the square and blocked a section of Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Blvd to vehicle traffic for a period with the tractors, IPN reports.

The protesters went to the entrance from Mitropolit Gavriil Bănulescu-Bodoni St first. When on the stairs of the Government Building, they were stopped by the police and banned access. After exchanging replies, the police officers and the farmers started to push each other. Then the protesters went to the entrance from Alexandr Pushkin St and were again barred. A representative of the Government told them that they have to schedule an appointment if they want to meet with the Premier.

In the protest, the farmers expressed their dissatisfaction with the Government’s intention to raise the VAT rate on primary agricultural production from 8% to 12%, even if the executive agreed to put off the introduction of the measure for half a year. The farmers also ask for compensation for alleviating the losses suffered as a result of the drought as they will be unable to cope during the new agricultural year without this money.

The farmers announced they will mount a protest in front of the Parliament Building on December 17, starting at 11am. The tractors remained parked in the Great Nations Assembly Square.