Taxi drivers blocked the entrance to Nicosia for a few minutes, protesting the problems facing the industry.
Protests were also held at Limassol Port and airports.
The protestors started their march from the GSP Stadium and headed towards the Kalispera lights, where they stopped for a few minutes, cutting off the bus lane for a few minutes.
Speaking during the mobilization in the “lights of Kalispera”, the chairman of the coordination committee of city taxis of Nicosia, Haralambos Augustus, said that the taxi drivers express their dissatisfaction with promises they received from the rulers, which were not implemented.
Asked about this, Mr. Augustus gave a 15-day ultimatum to the authorities to set a meeting to solve the problems. “We will come back with more dynamic measures” he warned.
The main reasons that led to the protest concern piracy and the need to stop it. At the same time, he emphasized the necessity for policing in Ports and Airports.
He also referred to funds that end up elsewhere and not to taxi drivers.
Responding to the Minister’s decision regarding the bus lane, he explained that it came at the last minute, after a holiday.
Afterwards, the taxi drivers headed to the Presidential Palace, and then to the Ministry of Transport and Works.
“Disappointed” declares the Minister. Transportation
For his part, the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, reported that even early in the morning, efforts were made to thwart the mobilization.
Speaking on State Television, the Minister noted that what is happening is disappointing.
He explained that as far as the bus lane was concerned, a postponement of its use by taxi drivers was requested until some problems were resolved, which were resolved and they were informed that they could use it from Wednesday, October 4.
The minister also said that for the unfair competition they complain about due to piracy, a bill has been prepared which is in the Legal Service for legislative review.
“Our will has always been to find a constructive solution. Unfortunately, we did not find suitable ground and that is why we have this suffering today for thousands of our fellow citizens”, he stressed.
