Mayor Galán sends a harsh message to taxi drivers: ‘If there are blockades, there will be no dialogue’

From the Unified Command Post (PMU) of the Metropolitan Police of Bogotá, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán presented a summary of the day of demonstrations called by taxi drivers, to whom he said that he will not allow blockades on the roads of the capital.

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During the balance, The Mayor also stated that he is open to dialogue with the taxi drivers’ union, as has been done with the Ministry of Mobility since the beginning of the year..

“We have always said that we are willing to engage in dialogue, but not in the midst of this situation. The District Government is ready to talk, as long as there is no action. If there are blockades, there will be no dialogue.”he pointed out.

He also said that “In Bogotá, protest is respected and guaranteed, but we also have to guarantee the rights of those who do not protest”From very early on, the Mayor’s Office and the Metropolitan Police have worked to prevent the roads from being blocked at the taxi drivers’ concentration points.

“We have had critical points such as Calle 80, Autopista Sur, Yomasa and Las Américas. They are contacting the Ministry of Mobility and we are working together with the Police to ensure that on these roads there is the possibility of mobilization for citizens who are moving around Bogotá,” said Galan.

On the other hand, the mayor of Bogota confirmed that there have been damages to 7 mainline buses, 5 regional buses and a tractor-trailer. In addition, one person was arrested for assaulting a district manager. Damage to at least seven taxis has also been reported by taxi drivers who criticise those who do not join the demonstration.

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For his part, Mayor Galán insisted: “We will guarantee the protest, but we will be demanding in enforcing the law, in which the rights of citizens cannot be affected”It should be noted that the police and traffic authorities have been instructed to lift the blockades in compliance with all protocols.

General José Daniel Gualdrón, commander of the Metropolitan Police of Bogotá, reported that the Mebog has 1,600 men and women available to work especially to deal with the public demonstration.

“We have 16 reaction units, 6 drones, 1 helicopter and we are activating the motorized personnel that were in service”he added.

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