Moldovan farmers suspend protests after parliamentary talks on VAT increase

On June 24‑25, more than 500 farmers and agricultural workers from 23 districts in the Republic of Moldova blocked several national roads and four border points to demand that the government keep the reduced VAT rate on agricultural products and reject a planned rise from 8% to 20%. The blockades disrupted traffic but exempted emergency and regular public transport.

After a two‑hour meeting on June 25 with Parliament President Igor Grosu, the finance and agriculture ministers, and other officials, the Force of Farmers announced the suspension of the demonstrations. The group warned it could resume during the harvest season if the VAT increase is pursued. The Finance Ministry offered a provisional alternative of a zero‑VAT rate for the cereal and oilseed chain, but said further analysis and consultation are needed, with a decision expected by June 30.