Moldovan farmers continue protests demanding retention of 8% VAT

Negotiations between the parliamentary leadership and representatives of the farmers' association “Forța Fermierilor” failed on June 25, with no decision reached on the agrarian demands and a new round of talks scheduled for the following week.

The protests began on June 24, when more than 250 tractors and hundreds of farmers from 21 districts blocked national roads and the border crossings at Leușeni and Sculeni. Protesters demand that the government keep the reduced 8% VAT rate for agricultural products, reject a proposed increase to the standard 20% rate, and introduce direct per‑hectare subsidies and a diesel tax rebate for 2026.

Police have warned drivers to avoid the affected road sections and border points, urging the use of alternative routes. An incident in the Ștefan Vodă district, in which deputy Sergiu Stefanco was accused of striking a police officer with a tractor wheel, is being investigated; the deputy’s party, Democrația Acasă, says no evidence has been presented.

Deputy Serghei Ivanov and other political figures have called for an urgent meeting with the parliamentary president and the president of Moldova to resolve the dispute and prevent further disruptions.