The yellow “taxi” writing can still be read on the asphalt, but the parking lots are deserted. This is the scenario that is presented in the major Italian cities, where it continues for the sixth consecutive day the mobilization of taxi drivers. Naturally, the sector's liberalization project developed by the Monti government is in the sights. The provision will be included in the decree law that the Executive is preparing to launch this week. But the drivers of the white cars don't give up. Indeed, they are increasingly aggressive. Motorists have noticed Rome, Milan, Naples and Genoa, immersed in a decidedly more chaotic traffic than normal.
The hottest situation is obviously recorded in the capital. Here the taxi drivers have called a new assembly at the Circus Maximus, now elected as the headquarters of the protest. At 15 pm some representatives of the category could be received at Palazzo Chigi, where they will submit an alternative proposal to the Executive to reform the sector. And judging by the premises, the tone of the discussion will not be calm at all.
“If last night the Government only listened to us then let's unleash war – it thunders Loreno Bittarelli, leader of the Unitaxi union -. If it was just an audition, then we'll make our case. If they really want to arm wrestle, all hell will happen. This afternoon we will meet again with the government and formulate our proposals and it is not possible that the government will not listen to us. There are some liberalizations that should be done, for example, those on financial services, energy, banks that would really bring benefits to citizens, but these will be done with a duvet. Making a lump of grass is bullshit”.
An unexpected concession arrives instead on the front of the receipt: “If the Government asks us for it, we'll issue it – conceded Bittarelli -. But keep in mind that we are the only category that pays VAT on capital goods. For us, VAT is a cost”.
Meanwhile, still in the Circus Maximus, the most fundamentalist fringe of the taxi-driving population took part in the display of banners bearing statements of the following type: “Monti like Schettino. A homicidal maneuver, arrest him”. Fortunately there is also someone who plays down: "Monti, God help you".
