Amid soaring food prices, Croatian citizens launch a nationwide boycott of shopping, leading to a 47% drop in retail revenue. Organized by consumer groups, the protest has gained widespread support.
Croatian citizens have launched a nationwide boycott of shopping in stores, supermarkets, and gas stations to protest the relentless rise in food prices, Croatian media report. The initiative has led to a significant economic impact, with the Tax Administration revealing that as of 11 a.m. today, retail transactions were down 40% compared to last Friday, with revenue plummeting by 47%.
Grassroots Movement Sparks Action
The boycott was initiated by the Facebook group “Halo, inspektore”, led by the European Consumer Excellence Center (ECIP). It quickly gained momentum, receiving endorsements from consumer protection organizations, trade unions, political parties, and even government ministers.
Government and Public Response
Finance Minister Marko Primorac highlighted the government’s efforts to curb inflation through various measures and called for responsible practices across the supply chain.
“We’ve appealed to producers and retailers to do everything possible to lower prices, especially for food items. While it’s not the government’s role to organize or promote boycotts, as a citizen and consumer, I fully understand the protest and will not be shopping today,” Primorac stated.
Business Community Pushback
Retailers and business owners have expressed frustration with the boycott, accusing the government of shifting the burden of combating inflation onto consumers and businesses. In response, many retailers announced significant discounts exclusively for January 24, as reported by Croatian Radio-Television (HRT).
The Voice of Entrepreneurs Association criticized the state for its perceived inaction, stating that the responsibility for managing inflation has been unfairly offloaded onto the public and private sectors.
Broader Implications
This large-scale boycott underscores the growing discontent among Croatian citizens over inflation and the government’s handling of economic challenges. The outcome of this protest could influence future consumer behavior and policy decisions.
