Paris taxi drivers plan protests

Paris taxi drivers are organizing demonstrations to protest what they call unfair competition from VTC (Vehicle with Taxi Certificate) platforms at airports. They are demanding stricter regulations and better working conditions, with the Team Taxi collective leading the movement.

Protests to begin at dawn

The protests are set to begin at dawn at Porte Maillot in Paris, heading toward Charles de Gaulle Airport. The movement is described as "renewable" until Saturday, and organizers expect around 2,000 drivers to participate.

Criticism of government policies

Team Taxi president Walid Hanida criticized the government for increasing fuel and charge costs for taxi drivers while failing to regulate VTC platforms. He claims this has introduced "anarchy" into the passenger transport sector and called for the creation of "white zones" to restrict VTC operations in certain areas.

Demands for regulation and safety

The collective is also demanding strict checks on professional VTC licenses and signage, as well as the return of "blue vests" — staff who guide customers to legal flows in terminals and prevent passenger solicitation. They argue these measures would improve safety and order.

Focus on digital platform issues

Hanida emphasized that the movement is not about pitting taxi drivers against VTC platforms but addressing the problems created by digital platforms. He described the congestion and insecurity in airport areas as "completely crazy" and called for a complete overhaul of how drivers are distributed in terminals.