New Democracy vs the Government over taxis

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications has given a political dimension to the taxi driver protests, also noting that the 48h-long strike is “unacceptable” and “lacks substantial justification”.

According to the ministry, the debate between taxi spokesmen and ministry officials on the rules of the deregulation process, which has already been in place since July 2nd, started ten days ago.

As stated by the ministry, the proposals of the taxi owners forming one side of the dialogue were sent last week; without even waiting for the ministry’s response, they went ahead with their 48-hour strike, “apparently after the political encouragement of the leader of the opposition, Mr. A. Samaras”.

“The forms of protests chosen by taxi owners are not only unacceptable in every respect, but will also not bring any results”, stated the ministry, adding that “in any case, the deregulation of the profession will proceed normally and dialogue will develop, as already announced by the ministry from the beginning”.

On his own part, the New Democarcy party spokesman, Giannis Michelakis, invited representatives of the taxi owners to show a responsible stance as opposed to “the government’s irresponsibility”, while he also launched a direct verbal attack against Minister Giannis Ragkousis. “Directly and absolutely the blame is on Mr. Ragousis who, inexplicably and without any reasoning or plan, cancelled his predecessor’s agreement with the taxi industry”, stated Mr. Michelakis.