Taxi drivers in Attica are set to begin a 48-hour strike on Tuesday, February 3, and Wednesday, February 4, following a decision by their association, SATA. The strike comes amid growing tensions between the government and the taxi sector over regulations, competition, and electric vehicle transition.
On the first day of the strike, drivers will gather at SATA offices in central Athens at 10:30 a.m. before marching to the Prime Minister’s office as a demonstration against what they describe as a “hostile government stance” toward their profession.
The taxi drivers have explicitly rejected dialogue with Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis, holding him responsible for the escalation, and insist on a direct meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Their main demands include:
- Electric Vehicle Transition: Postponing mandatory electrification of taxis until 2035 with a sustainable, realistic plan.
- Clear Operating Framework: Minimum lease rates for chauffeur-driven private cars nationwide to prevent unfair competition.
- Unfair Competition: Government intervention against multinational apps undermining local taxi services, especially radio taxis.
- Bus Lane Access: Allowing taxis carrying passengers to use special bus lanes, following European standards.
- Tax Reform: Fair taxation and an end to what drivers call financial “exploitation” of the sector.
- New Legislation Concerns: Opposing proposed laws they claim could economically harm taxi owners.
