Livestock farmers have issued an ultimatum to the President of the Republic, warning that unless there is government intervention by 2pm to address the issue of animal cullings, they will move to more forceful measures, leaving open even the possibility of closing airports and ports.
Farmers are holding a protest today in Larnaca, with the gathering scheduled at the Rizoelia roundabout at 11am. Speaking on Politis Radio, farmers’ representative Stella Petrou said protesters do not intend to fully block traffic but will remain at the site to inform the public by distributing leaflets to passing motorists.
Petrou made serious claims about the situation facing the sector, describing severe financial hardship and intense psychological pressure on livestock farmers. She said there have been cases in which the children of farmers were allegedly approached to become involved in drug dealing in order to make ends meet.
The mobilisation comes amid growing frustration within the sector, with farmers demanding an immediate halt to animal cullings and direct intervention by the government to address what they describe as an existential crisis for livestock farming.