Romanian shepherds and farmers clashed with riot police in Bucharest after a protest against the extension of a European Union ban on live sheep exports turned violent.
About 2,000 people gathered outside the Romanian government headquarters on Tuesday, opposing the continuation of the ban until the end of 2026. The restriction was imposed because of outbreaks of the highly contagious small ruminant plague.
Some protesters threw rocks, metal barriers and other objects at officers. Riot police responded with tear gas, and 26 people were detained, according to police.
Twenty-four demonstrators and police officers needed medical treatment, with some suffering broken bones or the effects of tear gas. Four people were taken to hospital.
Violence breaks out at Bucharest farmers’ protest
The demonstration had been called by farming and shepherd groups, with protesters carrying banners demanding the resignation of Romania’s president and prime minister.
The Romanian Government said the gathering had “degenerated into regrettable acts of violence” and appealed for calm. President Nicusor Dan condemned what he described as “extremely serious” violence and “any attempt to turn a legitimate protest into street fighting”.
The protest was also supported by far-right groups. Some demonstrators chanted the name of Calin Georgescu, a former presidential candidate who is standing trial for acts against the constitutional order after the annulment of the 2024 presidential elections.
Supporters of Mr Georgescu had urged people on social media to attend. George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, said the party “stands with the farmers and all working Romanians”, while calling for a peaceful demonstration.
Romanian shepherds staged a similar protest outside the government headquarters in late July over the export ban, which is due to expire at the end of 2026.
Romania has faced months of political and economic pressure, including the highest inflation rate in the European Union. Its pro-European government, which introduced austerity measures to reduce a large budget deficit, was defeated in a no-confidence vote in May, while parliament has yet to confirm a successor.
