Cyprus farmers will hold a protest today, Monday 16 February 2025, outside the headquarters of the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation (CAPO) in Nicosia, authorities confirmed.
Gathering points and march
The event will begin at 10:00 am with participants assembling at designated meeting points, including the GSP parking area, the “Jumbo” store parking on Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, and the “Xenopoulos” factory parking in Kokkinotrimithia.
Around 10:30 am, demonstrators will proceed in a march with tractors, private vehicles, and vans towards CAPO’s main offices on Michail Koutsofta Street.
Duration and intentions
Organisers have indicated their plan to occupy the CAPO premises with tractors and other vehicles for an indefinite period until their demands are met.
Police presence and public guidance
The Nicosia Police Department and the Special Mobile Unit (MMAD) will monitor the demonstration to ensure it remains peaceful. Officers will also provide support for traffic management and public safety.
Participants are advised to follow all police instructions during the event.
Legal framework
Under the Public Gatherings and Parades Law 151(I)/2025, organisers must ensure the event proceeds peacefully and coordinate with local authorities, the police, and the designated liaison officer.
Police are authorised to impose restrictions or disperse gatherings if they cease to be peaceful, violate regulations, or pose risks to individuals or property. Authorities may also remove items that conceal identities or otherwise prevent recognition of participants when there is reasonable suspicion of unlawful acts.
Cyprus farmers’ organisations have announced the temporary postponement of their planned protests on Monday following an urgent meeting with government officials, initiated by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou.
Government talks address farmers’ concerns
In a joint statement signed by PEO, EKA, Panagrotikos, Nea Agrotiki Kinisi, Euroagrotikos, and the Pan-Cyprian Association of Grain Producers, the organisations confirmed that the Sunday meeting addressed all the issues that prompted the planned demonstrations.
The meeting involved extensive discussions on ways to tackle the problems and simplify administrative procedures in a cooperative spirit.
Protests temporarily halted
Following the deliberations, the farmers’ organisations unanimously agreed to give state authorities additional time to resolve the issues and to temporarily suspend the protests scheduled for Monday.
Acknowledgement of government initiative
The organisations expressed gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture for initiating the meeting and responding to their request submitted during a Friday session with CAPO. They also thanked the officials from relevant government departments who participated in the discussions.
Officials in attendance included representatives from CAPO, the Director of the Department of Agriculture, senior officials from the Ministry of Interior, the Land Registry, and the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service.
Earlier, the Ministers of Agriculture and Interior met with the CAPO Commissioner to ensure all required actions by state departments were completed in advance.
Also read: Potato producers face retroactive water fees since 2017
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