On 24 January, Croatians staged a nationwide shopping boycott to protest soaring food prices and inflation, sending shockwaves through the country’s retail sector.
Spearheaded by consumer groups and widely amplified on social media, the initiative urged citizens to “not buy anything” for the day. The response was overwhelming, with official figures reporting a 40% drop in issued receipts and a 47% decline in total turnover by midday compared to the previous week.
Eurozone Outlier: Croatia
The protest came in response to mounting frustration over Croatians’ financial strain.
Inflation has been fueled by the country’s aging population, bloated public sector, and one of the highest value-added tax rates in the European Union. In December, Croatia recorded a 4.5% annual inflation rate, the highest in the eurozone, where the average stood at just 2.4%.
Only a handful of customers could be seen in a central Zagreb supermarket typically bustling with midday shoppers. “Retailers will not be financially harmed, but this is an important symbolic message that price gouging should stop,” said Danko Horvat, a barman from Zagreb. Consumer groups expressed satisfaction with the boycott’s turnout, which garnered support from opposition parties, trade unions, celebrities, and even government ministers.
Unity Amongst Croats
“People feel cheated,” said Josip Kelemen of the Halo, inspector consumer protection group, which initiated the protest. “Even the well-off have supported us; they feel the same way.”
Defiance from Business
Despite the boycott’s success in uniting consumers and halving retail traffic, retailers appear unfazed.
Mirko Budimir, a representative of retail chains, dismissed the protest, stating on national television, “We will continue to operate as we always have… this ‘so-called’ boycott won’t change anything.”
His remarks further galvanised consumer groups, who called for a more significant and widespread boycott on January 31.
Social media pages supporting the protest have urged consumers to participate, declaring, “We are united in hardship.” Organisers also plan targeted boycotts of specific retail chains and products with drastic price increases.
The upcoming boycott aims to intensify pressure on retailers to reconsider their pricing policies, as the initial protest appears to have left little impression.
Economic Discontent: Cost of Living Crisis
The protest highlights growing economic discontent in Croatia, where the average net salary of €1,366 ($1,840) struggles to keep pace with rising living costs. Since the country adopted the euro in January 2023, prices have steadily increased, further straining household budgets.
Whether continued boycotts will prompt meaningful change or retailers will maintain their current stance remains. For now, Croatian consumers are determined to make their voices heard, vowing to keep fighting against what they view as unjust price hikes.
Next Friday, all eyes will be on Croatia’s streets—and stores—to see if the next protest will deliver the impact consumers hope for.
Daily Euro Times will keep you updated!
Also read:
The Kremlin Manipulates AI to Sway German Vote
Taliban Shutdown of NGOs Employing Female Staff
How New Zealand Changed the Film Industry?
