A farmers’ representative distances himself from the violence in Victory Square: We do not support attempts to hijack the demonstration

Răzvan Răducan, a farmer and representative of a federation of sheep breeders, told Digi24 that people from outside the protest had allegedly infiltrated the shepherds’ demonstration in Victory Square, which escalated into violence. He called on participants not to respond to provocations and to preserve the peaceful nature of the protest.

Răducan said the federation distances itself from any act of violence, destruction or confrontation with law enforcement. According to him, people came to Bucharest to support their demands and were prepared to remain at the protest for several days.

The farmer said the people who tore down the barriers and waved clubs did not represent sheep breeders. He claimed that the agitators could have been mistaken for shepherds after obtaining clothing and accessories specific to them, adding that the spontaneous protest did not allow them to be isolated.

Răducan explained that farmers’ grievances had accumulated over the past several years. He complained about the lack of money for animal feed, difficulties selling products and the risk that many farms could be pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. The farmer also said that démarches and meetings with the authorities had not, so far, led to solutions for the problems facing the sheep-breeding sector.