Farmers announce indefinite protest amid government compensation offers for foot and mouth disease
Farmers in Cyprus have scheduled an indefinite protest at the Rizoelia roundabout for May 8, 2026, to demand an end to livestock culling and support for affected farms following a foot and mouth disease outbreak. Stella Petrou, representing the 'Voice of Farmers' association, stated that protesters plan to block a lane of the highway and stay overnight. The government has announced a compensation package, with payments ranging from €43 to €178 per sheep or goat, and €150 to €1,500 per cow, with higher rates for animals of high genetic value. Despite these measures, which also include income support and reactivation plans totaling €35.6 million, some farmers remain dissatisfied. The Ministry of Justice and Police have held an emergency meeting to coordinate strategy, explicitly warning that the blockage of any traffic lanes or disruption of public transit will not be permitted. Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris and Chief of Police Themistos Arnaoutis emphasized that while peaceful protest is a right, it must remain within legal boundaries. Police have also launched an investigation into incidents from a previous April 23 protest at the same location. Agricultural organizations, including PEK, have called for the protests to be called off, arguing that the recent compensation agreements provide reasonable support.