Athens streets were severely disrupted today as taxi drivers launched a two-day strike, closing major roads in the city center and organizing a protest march to the Ministry of Tourism. The action, led by the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA), targets a recent government decision granting transport work to vans, which drivers say threatens their livelihoods and undermines the sector.

The strike began with the closure of Patision Street from Marni to Omonia and later extended to Stadiou Street, leaving large parts of central Athens gridlocked. As drivers marched from the union’s offices on Marni Street toward the Ministry of Tourism on Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, traffic disruptions continued, affecting both commuters and tourists. Authorities have ensured that routes to and from hospitals remain open for emergency travel.

Union president Thymios Lymberopoulos described the protest as “a fight against entrenched interests,” highlighting the broader economic tensions within Athens’ transport sector. The demonstration reflects growing frustration among taxi drivers over regulatory changes that they argue favor alternative transport services at the expense of traditional taxis.

The strike has reignited discussions about urban mobility in Athens, a city already dealing with congestion, and underscores the delicate balance between modernizing transport services and protecting the rights of established drivers.