The peaceful demonstration, called by several taxi drivers’ unions, is taking place near the National Assembly, the lower house of the French Parliament, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Dozens of taxi drivers took to the streets despite the sweltering temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) to denounce "collusion between the state and digital platforms."
The protesters are calling on a parliamentary commission to investigate Macron's links with Uber and "all practices of lobbying for digital platforms in the private public passenger transport sector".
Drivers mounted signs saying "We want ministers, not lobbyists!" on their taxicabs parked near the site of the rally. The protesters are chanting "Commission to investigate!"
The rally is peaceful, with police officers ensuring order. Some participants fired several colored flares and firecrackers, but the police did not intervene. A convoy of taxicabs is honking in support of the demonstration near the scene.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) recently unveiled information proving links between Macron and Uber. In 2015, Macron, who then served as French economy minister, promised to aid the company in lifting the suspension on its service imposed by Marseilles police. An Uber lobbyist contacted Macron, who pledged to personally look into the matter, ICJI revealed. French newspaper Le Monde concluded that Uber and Macron struck a "secret deal" at the time.
Last Tuesday, Macron said he was proud of having helped Uber cut through red tape to enter the French market as this created jobs in France, adding that he would do so again.