If you’re looking to get around Paris today, expect delays. And fires.
Roads to and from Paris airports and train stations are blocked, as is the beltway around the city, thanks to a massive protest against ride company Uber. The city’s Taxi drivers, who’ve been critical of Uber’s practices for some time, took to the streets today and reportedly flipped cars, attacked Uber drivers, and burned tires.
Police say that around 2,800 taxi drivers are taking part in the protests.
Manifestation anti-UberPop des taxis marseillais qui veulent la désactivation de l'application #Marseille pic.twitter.com/qYJ3j5bx4G
— Mickael Flores (@mickaelflores) June 25, 2015
This is not about unhappy cab drivers. It's about France's state of mind when it comes to problem solving. #UberPop pic.twitter.com/M7vutqhFR9
— Élie Chevignard (@Philocrate) June 25, 2015
Les taxis enflamment des pneus pour lutter contre #uber #uberpop https://t.co/zIHHKdz0qj
— Nice-Matin (@Nice_Matin) June 25, 2015
The taxi drivers are demonstrating how much they love #UberPop! Took the bike path to avoid some roadblocks pic.twitter.com/55BHG7iHTB
— Shara Gillow (@SharaGillow) June 25, 2015
The taxi drivers are protesting UberPOP (UberX in the States). Their gripe is one we’ve heard for years, in many countries including the US. The drivers see Uber as unfair competition, as its drivers don’t have to jump through the same hoops as traditional taxi drivers – mainly licensing, regulations, and inspections.
Protests are the most intense in Paris, but are also taking place in other French cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence.
Courtney Love seems to have been involved in some of the violence.
Dude @kanyewest we may turn back to the airport and hide out with u.picketers just attacked our car #ParisUberStrike pic.twitter.com/MtanurybOO
— Courtney Love Cobain (@Courtney) June 25, 2015
they've ambushed our car and are holding our driver hostage. they're beating the cars with metal bats. this is France?? I'm safer in Baghdad
— Courtney Love Cobain (@Courtney) June 25, 2015
According to Reuters, France’s interior minister called for an UberPOP ban in response to the protests.