Greek taxi drivers launch new protest march after days of disruption

Taxi services across Greece experienced widespread disruption on Thursday, January 15, as drivers entered the third consecutive day of strike action, intensifying their protests against new government policies affecting the industry.

Taxi unions have declared rolling 48-hour strikes, with the mandatory electrification of vehicles identified as a central issue in their dispute with the authorities, as per foreign media.

As part of their latest mobilisation, drivers plan to stage a vehicle convoy directed toward the prime minister’s office in central Athens. According to union announcements, taxis will assemble at 10 a.m. outside the Athens Taxi Drivers’ Union headquarters before moving forward in a coordinated procession.

Thursday’s action follows a large demonstration on Wednesday, during which taxi drivers formed a convoy along major avenues of the capital before arriving at the Ministry of Transport. Addressing the crowd, the union’s president reaffirmed drivers’ determination to continue their protest and accused the government of seeking to divide the sector.

Union representatives argue that the new regulatory measures impose an excessive financial burden on drivers and were introduced without meaningful consultation.

With negotiations between the government and taxi unions at a standstill and no agreement in sight, further disruption to taxi services across the country is expected.

By Tamilla Hasanova