Following a successful citizens’ boycott campaign in Croatia, calls for a similar protest in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have gained traction on social media. Citizens plan to boycott stores, gas stations, cafes, and restaurants on Friday to express dissatisfaction with rising prices and the low standard of living.
A Grassroots Movement
The organizers urge citizens to refrain from making purchases, cook meals at home, and avoid spending in hospitality establishments on the designated day.
“This is a way to show our dissatisfaction with rising food and energy costs, while wages remain low. A one-day boycott can send a strong message,” reads a viral message shared on social media, according to SEEbiz.
Discussions on internet forums highlight that food prices in BiH are now higher than in some developed countries like Germany, while housing costs remain unaffordable.
Socioeconomic Challenges
Adis Kečo, a representative of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of BiH, stated that these actions underscore the serious socioeconomic issues facing the country.
He emphasized that while business profits are growing, wages have not kept pace, leaving workers struggling to cover basic living expenses.
Objectives of the Boycott
The boycott aims to pressure the government and employers to take concrete measures to address inflation, raise the minimum wage, and improve citizens’ overall living standards.
In response to previous concerns, BiH authorities have implemented temporary price freezes on essential goods, but citizens argue that these measures are insufficient given the scale of the crisis.
Broader Context
This planned action follows similar movements in the region, where citizens have increasingly turned to collective action to protest rising costs and demand systemic change. The boycott could serve as a powerful statement, urging authorities to prioritize the well-being of citizens amid growing economic challenges.
