"Are they moving us? We're stopping!" Ischia taxi drivers relaunch their protest.

The crisis between Ischia's municipal administration and taxi drivers is turning into a full-blown battle for visibility and legitimacy. After the second consecutive march that began this morning from Piazza Antica Reggia, the taxi drivers publicly relaunched their message with a clear slogan: "They're moving us? We're stopping!" At the heart of the protest was the removal of two taxi stands on Via Alfredo De Luca, ordered by ordinance for safety and traffic reasons.

Distributing flyers and sharing images en masse on social media, taxi drivers declare that the protest will continue "with determination and dignity" until respect is restored for a service they call "essential for the island." "Taxi drivers shouldn't be chased away, they should be respected," reads one of the rally's signature slogans. Protesters denounce the lack of dialogue and what they consider to be a "hostile" attitude on the part of the municipality.

During yesterday's morning meeting, the Deputy Police Commissioner also visited and attempted to mediate with the Municipal Police Commander. The latter promised to forward the taxi drivers' requests to Mayor Enzo Ferrandino. However, the news that the mayor is currently away from Ischia and will only be available for a meeting on Monday has fueled the discontent.

The taxi drivers, however, appear unwilling to give in. Strengthened by an informal authorization to continue the demonstration without the three-day notice , the category has announced that it will continue its protests in the coming days. "If we have to disrupt the service to be heard, we will do so," the taxi drivers say.

Meanwhile, the city administration has taken a hard line. With Ordinance No. 118, Mayor Ferrandino has exceptionally authorized chauffeur-driven vehicles to use taxi ranks to pick up and drop off passengers, charging taxi fares. This move, intended to ensure a minimum level of service during the sudden suspension of taxi services, has further strained relations.

The ordinance will remain in effect for a maximum of 72 hours from publication, unless extended. The Municipal Police have been assigned to monitor compliance with the new rules.

With two positions now far apart, the crisis risks turning into an unprecedented tug-of-war. On one side, the administration asserts its right to guarantee urban order and safety; on the other , a segment of the population feels cornered and accuses the City of wanting to "erase" it.

The next few days will be crucial. Monday, perhaps, will be the first real confrontation. But in the meantime, the climate on the island remains heated, and the risk of escalation is far from remote.