Violent Clashes Erupt in Bucharest as Romanian Shepherds and Farmers Protest EU Livestock Export Ban

Romanian shepherds, farmers, and their supporters scuffled with riot police outside the Romanian government headquarters in Bucharest, Romania, on September 15, 2026, as law enforcement sprayed tear gas to disperse the crowds. Approximately 2,000 protesters gathered in the capital on Tuesday to protest the extension of a live sheep export ban, which was imposed by the European Union due to the highly contagious small ruminant plague.

Mirroring similar agricultural demonstrations across Europe in recent years, the rally received encouragement and backing from far-right forces. The situation turned violent in front of the Romanian government building when some demonstrators threw rocks, metal barriers, and other objects at law enforcement officers demanding the reversal of the ban. Riot police responded by deploying tear gas.

According to a press release from riot police, 26 people were detained. Twenty-four demonstrators and police officers required medical attention for injuries ranging from broken bones to the effects of tear gas, with four individuals hospitalized. Both the government and the opposition urged demonstrators to refrain from further violence.

The demonstration was organized by various farmer and shepherd groups. Protesters carried banners demanding the resignation of the country's president and prime minister, while some chanted the name of far-right politician Calin Georgescu, a former presidential candidate currently standing trial for acts against the constitutional order following the annulment of the 2024 presidential elections.

Ahead of the protest, supporters of Calin Georgescu shared messages on social media urging people to participate. George Simion, leader of the main far-right group the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), posted on Facebook that "AUR stands with the farmers and all working Romanians," though he urged attendees to protest peacefully.

The Romanian government stated in a press release that the demonstration had "degenerated into regrettable acts of violence" and appealed for calm. President Nicusor Dan utilized social media to condemn the "extremely serious" violence, warning against "any attempt to turn a legitimate protest into street fighting."

Romanian shepherds had previously protested outside the same government building in late July regarding the EU ban on live sheep exports, which is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. The nation of 19 million people has faced months of struggle against the highest inflation rate in the EU alongside an ongoing political crisis. The pro-European government, which implemented austerity measures to control a high budget deficit, was toppled in a no-confidence motion in May, and a divided parliament has yet to confirm a successor.