Paris taxi drivers vow to disrupt French Open as protests escalate
9/2/2025 06:27am
The escalating protests by Paris taxi drivers threaten to disrupt the French Open, as they plan to block access to Roland-Garros on Monday unless their demands are met. The drivers are unhappy with new medical transport rules and competition from ride-hailing apps, which they claim are threatening their income.
1. **Impact on French Open**: The protests have already caused disruptions in Parisian traffic for five consecutive days, with drivers gathering at landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe and blocking roads while honking horns and flashing their car lights.
2. **Government Meeting**: Hours before the meeting with the prime minister and transport minister, Emmanuelle Cordier, president of the National Taxi Federation, warned that if the government does not listen, they will take further action to disrupt the French Open.
3. **Spread of Protests**: The movement has spread beyond the capital, with drivers in cities like Marseille and Perpignan in the south of France joining the demonstrations.
The situation suggests that the French Open may be impacted, and the government will need to address the concerns of the taxi drivers to prevent further disruptions.