Videos: Thousands of Taxis Block Madrid Square in Protest Against Local Authorities
02:23 GMT 16.02.2023 (Updated: 09:32 GMT 16.02.2023)
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MADRID (Sputnik) - Thousands of taxi drivers have blocked the Plaza de Castilla in the center of Spain's capital Madrid in a demonstration against local authorities, according to the union platform of the Municipal Transport Company of Madrid.
"Thousands of taxi drivers have again occupied the Plaza de Castilla in Madrid. The taxi drivers' struggle is a struggle for public services, against the exploitation of labor, and for the quality of services," the platform tweeted.
It was the third manifestation of taxi drivers in recent months in Madrid against the policy of Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, which, according to protesters, put the taxi service in the hands of large companies, such as Uber, Cabify, and Bolt.
‼️Miles de taxistas nuevamente ocupan la Castellana en Madrid.
— Plataforma Sindical EMT (@PSindicalEMT) February 15, 2023
La cabecera de la manifestación en Nuevos Ministerios hasta Plaza de Castilla totalmente colapsada. Desvíando taxis por Avenida de Asturias. #Taxi #TaxiDeMadrid#TaxiEnLucha 🚖@EliteTaxiMadrid 🚖@TaxiProjectEU 🚖 pic.twitter.com/NPaC6o3jdK
The local government is finalizing new regulations that, among other things, will allow taxis to travel freely at any time and will allow for car-sharing services so that passengers can reserve a seat in already booked taxis to share the cost of a ride. The process of the issuance of licenses and hiring drivers will also be simplified.
A set of photos showing a convoy of taxi protesters standing in the Plaza de Castilla. The slogan says "The PP sells public services"
© Photo : FPtaxiMadrid / Twitter Screenshot
According to a Spanish broadcaster, some 6,000 taxi drivers participated in the protest.
Public discontent is becoming increasingly significant against the background of the upcoming regional government elections, which will be held on May 28.
