PARIS (AP) – Tension Rises Among Taxi Drivers Over French Open

A group of taxi drivers in Paris is threatening to stage a protest at the French Open on Monday, aiming to block access to Roland Garros if their concerns are ignored by the government.

These drivers are increasingly anxious about potential threats to their livelihoods. For the past five days, they’ve disrupted traffic across various parts of Paris, converging at iconic sites like the Arc de Triomphe, where they’ve impeded travel by flashing their car lights and honking.

The French Open is set to kick off this Sunday.

One driver cautioned, “If the government doesn’t respond to us, we will take action at Roland Garros,” just hours before an anticipated meeting between the prime minister and the transport minister.

The drivers are particularly upset about new medical transport regulations and heightened competition from ride-hailing apps. Their protests have started to expand beyond the capital city.

Demonstrators from other regions, including Marseille and Perpignan in southern France, have also joined the cause.