Spain: Further taxi drivers protests in Madrid January 30 /update 6

Event

As of Wednesday, January 30, taxi drivers in Madrid are planning to stage further protests 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 are expected to gather near the People's Party headqarters located on Génova street. Another protest is shceduled to take place at 17:00 (local time) at Puerta del Sol.

In the meantime, protests by drivers of ride-sharing cars cannot be ruled out as protests also erupted in Madrid and Barcelona on January 29.

Further protests are possible 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, 28, and 29, 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.