Livestock breeders’ protest at GSP: police blocked trucks from the Presidential Palace

The protest by Cypriot livestock breeders, planned outside the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, ended in a tense standoff with police near the GSP stadium. The farmers were angered by measures to cull animals on farms infected with foot-and-mouth disease.

Initially, the protesters intended to gather near GSP stadium and then proceed in a convoy to the Presidential Palace. However, police prohibited heavy vehicles from heading toward the presidential residence, after which the march never took place.

Amid the growing tension, representatives of the livestock breeders offered police several possible next steps. Among them were blocking highways, shutting down ports and airports, or allowing at least two or three of the sixteen trucks parked near the stadium to pass. According to the protesters, this last option had already been discussed with law enforcement earlier.

In the end, the organizers decided to abandon the march and continue the protest directly in the GSP area.

The chairman of the “Livestock Breeders’ Voice” organization, Neophytos Neophytou, sharply criticized the police, saying that prior agreements had been violated. According to him, the farmers had planned a peaceful demonstration, but instead encountered heightened security measures.

“We were allowed to gather, and then they effectively tried to stop the protest. It gives the impression that we are being treated like criminals,” he told local television channels.

The situation took on particular significance because the Cypriot Cup final between the football clubs Pafos and Apollon was scheduled for the evening at GSP stadium, requiring additional public order measures.

Despite the confrontation, no serious incidents were reported. The situation remains under police control.