Romanian shepards and farmers clash with police | News
Dozens Injured in Farmers’ Protest Against Livestock Export Ban in Bucharest
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Published September 15, 2026
Bucharest, Romania — Clashes erupted between riot police and approximately 2,000 farmers on Tuesday during a protest against the extension of a livestock export ban due to disease concerns. The demonstration, which took place outside the Romanian government headquarters, was fueled in part by support from far-right groups.
The protest was primarily directed at the European Union’s prolonged ban on live sheep exports, enforced in response to outbreaks of the highly contagious small ruminant plague. Many protesters expressed their discontent over the ban, which is set to remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
Tensions escalated when some demonstrators began throwing rocks, metal barriers, and other objects at law enforcement. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to injuries among both protesters and officers. According to a police statement, 26 individuals were detained, and 24 others required medical assistance—four of whom were hospitalized, suffering from broken bones and the effects of tear gas.
Government officials from both the ruling party and the opposition called for an end to the violence, urging demonstrators to express their grievances peacefully.
The protest was organized by various farmers and shepherd groups, who carried signs demanding the resignation of the president and prime minister. The gathering also featured chants for Calin Georgescu, a controversial far-right figure currently on trial for actions against the constitutional order following the annulment of the 2024 presidential elections. Ahead of the protest, messages from Georgescu’s supporters circulated on social media, encouraging participation.
George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), the country’s principal far-right party, expressed solidarity with the farmers. However, he also urged protesters to keep the demonstration peaceful.
The Romanian government characterized the unrest as a transition from a “legitimate protest” to “regrettable acts of violence” and called for calm. President Nicusor Dan condemned the clashes on social media, emphasizing the severity of the situation and denouncing any shift from lawful protests to street fighting.
Frustrations regarding the livestock export ban are compounded by broader economic challenges facing Romania. The country has been grappling with soaring inflation and a protracted political crisis. The ruling pro-European coalition, which implemented austerity measures to address a significant budget deficit, fell to a no-confidence vote in May, leaving a fragmented parliament without a viable successor.
Farmers previously protested against the EU export ban in late July, expressing concern that the government had not taken adequate preventive measures against the disease outbreaks. The situation reflects growing discontent among agricultural workers, who are also dissatisfied with inadequate compensation for drought-affected crops in the current economic climate.
As diversifying issues continue to plague the nation, the government’s handling of agriculture and food security remains under scrutiny amid heightened public frustration.
