Romanian taxi drivers threaten hunger strike in protest against ride-sharing companies

Romanian taxi drivers are threatening a hunger strike by Wednesday unless the government increases regulations on ride-sharing services.

Continuing their protest in Bucharest, they demand enforcement of limits on alternative transport options similar to those affecting taxis.

More than 1,000 taxis occupied Constitution Square on Monday, with some drivers even sleeping in their vehicles. The group's numbers swelled to 1,800 on Tuesday, and they vow to escalate their protest to a hunger strike if their requests aren't addressed.

Drivers report hardship from spending the night in their cars, enduring uncomfortable and cold conditions. They seek a response from government officials and Prime Minister.

The national taxi employers' association, ANPOTRT, led by Remus Nedelcu, is at the forefront of the protests. They are calling for dialogue with the government to regulate ride-sharing under the same terms as taxis, including the cap on the age of cars to ten years, banning dynamic pricing, and enforcing tax compliance for ride-sharing services akin to taxi regulations, detailed by Romania Insider.

Nedelcu emphasizes the protests aim to signal the need for regulation, warning of the taxi industry's imminent collapse.