Athens and other major Greek cities will be without taxi services for today Wednesday, as drivers across the country staged a strike from Wednesday morning until Thursday morning.
The Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) announced the walkout as part of what it calls a “warning strike,” aimed at pressuring the government to open meaningful talks with the sector’s official representatives.
Union president Thymios Lyberopoulos said the action marks “the beginning of a broader struggle,” emphasizing that SATA has been authorized by its general assembly to continue mobilizations if no agreement is reached. “We want a direct and substantial dialogue with the government,” he said, “not through side groups that do not represent us.”
Drivers’ Key Demands
The strike comes amid rising frustration within the sector over new regulations and taxation issues. The drivers are calling for:
- An extension of the deadline requiring all taxis to become fully electric by January 1, 2026.
- A tax-free income threshold of €12,000 for self-employed taxi operators.
- The withdrawal of a recent Joint Ministerial Decision affecting the sector.
- Unrestricted access to bus lanes, allowing taxis to use them freely without category limitations.
Growing Tension Between Taxi Drivers and Government
The union has accused authorities of failing to consult taxi professionals on key policy decisions, particularly regarding the shift to electric vehicles and urban traffic rules. Drivers argue that the current timeline for electrification is unrealistic given high vehicle costs and inadequate charging infrastructure.
While the government has not yet issued an official response, the strike is expected to cause significant disruption in Athens, where taxis remain an essential mode of transport, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Lyberopoulos warned that if no progress is made in talks with the government, further strikes could follow in the coming weeks.
