Farmers escalated their protest on Thursday afternoon, blocking all roads at the Rizoeilia roundabout, with police urging drivers to exercise caution, remain patient and use alternative routes.
A three-member delegation of farmers travelled earlier to Nicosia for a meeting with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou at the ministry. According to the ministry, the meeting has not yet concluded.
Tensions rise during prolonged protest
Tensions had already flared shortly after midday when Justice Minister Costas Fytiris arrived at the scene, calling on farmers to reopen the road for safety reasons. Instead, protesters shut down the upper section of the roundabout and warned they would escalate their actions further.
They also signalled their intention to move their protest to the venue of the informal meeting of EU leaders in Ayia Napa.
Fytiris told farmers that the government and relevant authorities would examine their concerns. However, his remarks triggered a strong reaction, with some protesters returning to their vehicles and sounding their horns in protest.
Road network disrupted
In addition to the main roundabout, protesters blocked the road passing underneath it towards Ayia Napa. Vehicles and chairs were placed across the area to reinforce the blockade.
Banners displayed on vehicles carried messages including “Betrayal, Cyprus’ farming sector is being led to death”. Protesters also brought a coffin, funeral wreaths and an icon of Saint George to the site.
Leaflets outlining the challenges faced by the sector, particularly due to foot-and-mouth disease, were distributed to passing drivers.
Farmers have also set up chairs, tables and food at the location, indicating that the protest may be prolonged. Some demonstrators were accompanied by their children as the situation continued into the afternoon.