Dialogos

Taxi Drivers Protest 'Uncontrolled Piracy' – Accuse Christodoulides Government of Inaction

Published January 21, 2026, 06:01
Taxi Drivers Protest 'Uncontrolled Piracy' – Accuse Christodoulides Government of Inaction

Taxi drivers staged a 24-hour strike, protesting the uncontrolled piracy in their industry. They accuse the Christodoulides government of inaction and demand the enforcement of legality, especially at Paphos and Larnaca airports, where most irregularities are recorded. They warn of an indefinite strike from next Tuesday if immediate measures are not taken. The president of the Pan-Cypriot Federation of Urban Taxis, Dinos Constantinou, emphasized that the problem of piracy has multiplied in the last five years, despite the relevant legislation of 2024. He denounces that the controls by the Department of Road Transport are inadequate and that pirate taxi drivers are not afraid of the consequences. Taxi drivers are demanding strict police enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and, if necessary, the assistance of the Police. They point out that passengers using pirate taxis are not covered by insurance and that the government and TOM have a responsibility to inform them of the risks. They also state that online platforms contribute to piracy by “employing” unlicensed individuals.