[Infowarrior] - OT: You can't make this stuff up

[Richard Forno]

(Another sordid tale from the most economically borked country in Europe right now. -- rick)

Striking Greek Taxis Demand Government Pay for Illegal Licenses

July 28, 2011, 7:37 PM EDT

By Natalie Weeks

July 29 (Bloomberg) -- When Giorgos became a taxi driver in Athens two years ago, he did it the only way he could: by breaking the law.

Unable to inherit a family business, he borrowed from the bank and paid 100,000 euros ($143,010) for a license on the black market. Now he says he may fail to meet his loan obligations as the Greek government deregulates the taxi industry and opens the door to new cars taking fares as part of its commitment to a free market.

Thousands of drivers like 31-year-old Giorgos blocked approaches to airports and disrupted ferry services in recent strikes while demanding to be reimbursed for their illegal licenses.

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http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-07-28/striking-greek-taxis-demand-government-pay-for-illegal-licenses.html