Argentinean President Macri defends ban on Uber

Argentinean President Mauricio Macri on Thursday said he supported the ban on Uber's operation here after the ride-hailing service sparked furious protests of taxi drivers.

On Wednesday, the municipal government suspended Uber activities for operating without legal permits, just a day after the company launched its ride-sharing app in Buenos Aires, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This is a new challenge but I approve the decision of the city government to defend our taxi drivers, who are a symbol of the city and Argentina," Macri said in a press conference in the town of Llavallol, south of Buenos Aires.

Uber's operation on Tuesday were immediately met by a wave of outrage from taxi unions, who said it was an unfair competition as Uber drivers do not need a professional certification and can avoid taxes.

Meanwhile, tow trucks were deployed across the city to impound Uber vehicles.

Buenos Aires' Transport Secretary Juan Mendez said on Thursday that Uber "operates outside the law. The company presented no documentation to offer these services before it began operating".