Dialogos

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Minister Absent from Parliament – Veterinary Service Representatives Under Scrutiny

Published February 24, 2026, 12:02
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Minister Absent from Parliament – Veterinary Service Representatives Under Scrutiny

An emergency session of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture was held to address the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, amidst heightened concern. The Minister of Agriculture was absent from the session, having returned from Brussels and choosing to remain at the Crisis Management Center. Members of Parliament from all parties strongly criticized state services for negligence, accusing them of delaying the response to the crisis. Representatives of agricultural and livestock organizations expressed their despair, emphasizing the need for immediate and substantial support for those affected, as economic and psychological losses are expected to be significant. The session was characterized by lengthy questions and statements, resulting in delays and revealing a lack of preventative measures by the state.