Boycott against 'high prices and cost of living' in Croatia

Price hikes and inflation have sparked reactions across Croatia. Starting from the morning hours, citizens boycotted stores, market chains, and gas stations throughout the day.

Organized via social media under the leadership of a non-governmental organization, the citizens were also supported by consumer protection associations and political parties. Due to the general consumer boycott, which was organized for the first time in the country's history, supermarkets and stores remained empty.

In a message published on the Facebook group "Halo, Inspektore," where the boycott was organized, it was stated, "In the last two years, no EU country has faced such a price increase, especially in food prices.

Moreover, the increases are not stopping and new price hikes are being announced. These price increases have now become unbearable for tens of thousands of our citizens," the statement said.

Noting that the goal is to prevent the excessive rise in prices, the statement added, "We are aware that the market is a complex mechanism and that prices will not fall overnight with a single boycott, but this excessive increase can and must be stopped."

THEY DEMANDED A REDUCTION IN VAT

Citizens supporting the boycott on social media pointed out in their posts that some supermarket chains lowered their prices on the day of the boycott. Some citizens called for the boycott to be implemented for a longer term rather than just one day. Meanwhile, unions and associations demanded concrete measures to protect consumers in Croatia, which has the highest inflation in the eurozone, such as reducing VAT and providing incentives for local producers.