Spain: Taxi drivers protest continues in Madrid amid ongoing strike January 29 /update 5

Event

As of Tuesday, January 29, taxi drivers in Madrid are continuing their protest in the capital as part of a strike ongoing since January 21 to demand increased regulation on ride-sharing services such as Uber and Cabify. In the morning (local time), protesters repotredly marched to the People's Party headqarters via the Génova street, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Another protest is shceduled to take place at 17 :00 (local time) at Puerta del Sol.

In the meantime, drivers of ride-sharing cars are also protesting as of Tuesday in the Princesa street of the capital Madrid, as well as in Barcelona, notably at Plaça de Sant Jaume.

Further protests are possible in Madrid and Barcelona in the coming days along with associated transportation disruptions and traffic congestion. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Violent taxi driver protests erupted in Madrid on January 23 and 28, after protesters blocked major roads in the capital.

Taxi drivers in Barcelona launched a similar stirke on January 18. On January 23, the Catalan regional government offered new regulations for ride-sharing companies. Under the new rules, passengers would have to book the service at least one hour in advance.

Advice

Individuals in Madrid are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate travel delays and traffic congestion, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and seek alternate transportation arrangements.