Scandalous Privatization in Train Station

On July 24, about 150 traders and some workers protested in Warsaw against the scandalous privatization situation they are facing. The traders have small shops in the underground passages around Warsaw's Central Railway station. They had contracts with the city to rent the shops and some have been there for over 20 years. Many of the shopkeepers are small family businesses or run by women.

Before the Euro 2012, the station was renovated and the shops had to close for some time. Now the traders found that their shops are locked and a private firm has taken over. The private firm, MPP, has raised rent by up to 500%.