President Nikos Christodoulides has firmly denied claims that chaos is prevailing in the government’s management of the foot and mouth disease outbreak. Speaking during a memorial service for Eoka fighters in Palaichori on Sunday, he reassured the public and livestock farmers alike of the government’s proactive stance.
“I want to clarify that there is no chaos. We are in contact with all the livestock farmers’ groups. We are in contact with all the agricultural organisations,” he stated, highlighting the collaborative efforts in tackling the crisis. Christodoulides expressed confidence that ongoing cooperation among stakeholders would lead to effective management of the outbreak.
He emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting livestock farmers, stating, “You have also seen our recent decisions.” His reference to financial support for farmers affected by the disease underscores the government’s dedication to reviving the agricultural sector, which he described as vital for the island’s economy.
“If you compare them with similar decisions at the European level, the decisions taken by our own government are clearly very strong,” he said, underlining the significant financial assistance offered to farmers whose animals have been culled due to the outbreak. He refrained from calling this assistance compensation, instead labelling it as financial support, a distinction he deemed necessary.
Christodoulides expressed optimism about the future, asserting, “I truly believe that based on the planning we have…if this cooperation continues, very soon, we will be able to say that we have successfully dealt with foot and mouth disease.”
His comments come in light of growing tensions among livestock breeders, particularly after a newly formed group, the “voice of livestock breeders,” threatened to blockade the Rizoelia roundabout in protest against the government’s handling of the situation. Although the planned protest did not take place, group representative Stella Petrou has called for a meeting with the President to discuss concerns surrounding the culling of livestock.
Despite the outcry, officials have reiterated that the culling of infected animals is mandated by European Union law and is not subject to negotiation. The President’s remarks reflect a broader commitment to ensuring the agricultural sector’s stability amidst the challenges posed by the outbreak.
