On Wednesday and Thursday, Thessaloniki will see a halt in taxi services due to a strike called by the Panhellenic Federation of Taxis, highlighting key issues within the transport sector. The striking taxi drivers are protesting against mandatory electrification, seeking a delay in the transition to electric vehicles which they argue could place financial burdens on their operations. They are also calling for the withdrawal of Article 52 from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, claiming it unfairly favors private vans over taxi services.

In addition to their strike, the Thessaloniki Taxi Association has organized a vehicle procession that is set to commence at 11:00 AM from the PAOK Sports Arena on Antonis Tritsis Street. This mobilization seeks to raise public awareness regarding the challenges and demands of taxi drivers in light of new regulations that they believe could threaten their livelihoods. The strike underscores broader issues in Greece’s transition toward more sustainable transport solutions and the implications for traditional taxi services.

These developments reflect the ongoing tension between traditional taxi services and regulatory changes aimed at promoting electric vehicles, positioning this strike within a larger dialogue about urban transport and economic viability for taxi drivers. The impact of this strike could resonate beyond the immediate disruption of taxi services, possibly influencing future policy decisions in the transport sector.