Cyprus taxi drivers stage protests in Nicosia over industry grievances

On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, urban taxi drivers in Cyprus organized a strike to protest against long-standing issues affecting their profession. The protest began at 7:00 AM, with drivers gathering at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia before proceeding in a convoy to the Ministry of Transport, the House of Representatives, and the Presidential Palace. The mobilization was prompted by the lack of response from state authorities to a formal letter sent on March 4 by the Pancyprian Coordinating Committee of Urban Taxis. In this letter, drivers demanded written solutions to problems including unlicensed 'pirate' taxis operating in public areas, airports, and ports. Additionally, the union expressed concerns regarding unfair competition from specific transport applications and weak enforcement of existing regulations. They also cited rising operational costs as a factor contributing to the financial instability of the sector. The committee warned that failure to address these grievances would lead to further sustained strike actions, placing responsibility for potential economic and tourism disruptions on the government. The letter was addressed to several officials, including Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis and Police Chief Themistoklis Arnaouti.