French taxi drivers have taken to the streets in a nationwide protest against new health transport pricing and the increasing competition from private hire vehicles (VTC). The demonstrations, which began on Monday, saw thousands of taxi drivers gathering in cities including Paris, Grenoble, and Bastia, voicing their discontent over the proposed changes set to take effect from October. The new pricing structure, introduced by the National Health Insurance Fund (Cnam), replaces the traditional metered fares with a flat rate of 13 euros plus a per-kilometer charge, a move drivers fear could slash their earnings by up to 40%.

In Paris, the protest turned into a significant demonstration with nearly a thousand taxis blocking the Boulevard Raspail, near the Ministry of Transport. The scene was marked by honking, smoke flares, and brief clashes with the police, leading to 64 arrests. Taxi drivers, undeterred by the police intervention, have vowed to continue their protests throughout the week, demanding a written agreement that addresses their concerns. 'We've been suffering for 10 years, and now they're taking away our livelihood. We won't leave until we see real progress,' said Bekhir Cihan, a coordinator of the Parisian movement.

The protests have also highlighted the growing tension between traditional taxi services and VTCs, with drivers accusing the government of favoring the latter. The taxi unions argue that the new pricing model, aimed at controlling the rising costs of health transport services, unfairly targets them while ignoring the broader issues of competition and regulation in the transport sector. The government, however, maintains that the reforms are necessary to curb the escalating expenses, which reached 6.74 billion euros in 2024, with taxi services accounting for 3.07 billion euros of that total.

As the standoff continues, the taxi drivers' resolve appears unwavering. With plans to maintain their presence in key locations across France, the protesters are calling for a dialogue with the government to find a sustainable solution that ensures their survival in an increasingly competitive market. The outcome of these protests could have significant implications for the future of transport services in France, as both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions.