Livestock farmers fully blocked the Rizoelia roundabout on Thursday afternoon after a tense confrontation with Justice Minister Costas Fytiris, and are now calling for reinforcements with warnings they will march on the EU leaders’ working dinner in Ayia Napa.
Fytiris travelled to the scene and asked farmers to reopen the lane they had closed on safety grounds. Farmers responded by shutting the roundabout entirely, also closing the road below it leading to Ayia Napa and blocking Larnaca port. Protesters lined up vehicles and brought chairs, signalling their intention to remain for hours.
Fytiris told farmers at the scene: “I am here for your safety and the safety of drivers. There are competent authorities and the government will look at the issues. Hold your protest without putting people at risk.”
Farmers reacted with shouting and car horns. One farmer handed his child to the minister, telling him to take responsibility of and feed the child himself. Fytiris spoke with a number of farmers before leaving the area.
Farmers are calling for reinforcements and have warned they will travel to Ayia Napa to disrupt the EU summit working dinner. Further escalation measures are expected to be announced shortly.
Police are urging drivers heading towards Larnaca to use alternative routes due to heavy congestion around the roundabout. EU leaders arriving at the airport will continue to be transported to the Famagusta free areas via alternative roads.
