Farmers protest against foot-and-mouth disease measures in Cyprus

On Thursday, Cypriot farmers held a protest at the Rizoelia roundabout and the Larnaca port to oppose government measures regarding recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, which included mass animal culling. The demonstration began at 12:30, leading to road blockades and traffic disruptions. Justice Minister Costas Fytiris arrived at the Rizoelia roundabout to urge protesters to reopen the roads, citing safety concerns. During his visit, a breeder symbolically handed his young child to the Minister, shouting that the government's policies were causing starvation among the farmers' families. A three-member committee of representatives later traveled to Nicosia at 14:00 to meet with the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou. Protesters indicated that they would consider escalating their actions if the meeting did not result in a satisfactory resolution. Media reports and footage confirmed the tension, with some outlets noting the child appeared visibly distressed during the encounter.