French Police and Taxi Drivers Clash in Paris
The sign reads, “Angry taxis.” X/ @FFasterbikerFF
May 19, 2025 Hour: 2:48 pm
Taxi drivers also paralyzed French roads, particularly in the Île-de-France region and Toulouse.
On Monday, Paris was the scene of strong protests led by taxi drivers against a reform of medical transport fares that will take effect in October 2025.
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This reform would introduce a mixed remuneration system imposed by health insurance for patient transport for certified drivers, combining a fixed fare and a per-kilometer rate set by the department.
According to the National Taxi Federation (FNDT), this measure would result in a loss of revenue of between 30 and 40% for certified companies. Taxi drivers also reject unfair competition from transportation platforms like Uber, which they believe benefit from more flexible regulations.
In Paris, several hundred taxis blocked Boulevard Raspail, near the Ministry of Transport, along with more than 5,000 vehicles.
Clashes broke out between protesters and police, including when drivers tried to force their way through police barriers. At least 64 people were arrested.
The FNDT announced that the protest could continue or intensify in the coming days, depending on the progress of talks with authorities. Drivers are calling for an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss the future of their profession.
While clashes with police occurred in Paris, taxi drivers also paralyzed French roads, particularly in the Île-de-France region and Toulouse. “Slow-moving operations” on the A6 and A13 motorways caused significant traffic jams, especially between Rocquencourt and Porte d’Auteuil.
teleSUR/ JF
Source: RT
