In the last few days the Croatia It was the center of an unprecedented protest: citizens decided to boycott supermarkets, shops and service stations To protest against the dizzying increase in prices. On January 24, the number of receipts issued collapsed 43% compared to the previous week, while the total expenditure has decreased by 53%.
The initiative, promoted by the association for consumers “Halo, Inspektore” and widespread on social networks, has received enormous success. The increase in the cost of living is a problem felt throughout the state: in the last three years, the price of food in Croatia is increased by 34%with some basic products that have even doubled their price. In December, the country recorded one of the higher inflation rates of the European Union (4.5%), the highest of those who adopt the euro.
The boycott received transversal supportinvolving trade unions, consumer associations and even the Minister of Economy Marko PrimoC, who said he had not made the shopping that day as a sign of adhesion to the protest. The impact was immediate: the government announced the introduction of new roofs to prices For about seventy essential products, including bread, flour, pasta and dry biscuits.
The contagion in the Balkans
In the wake of Croatian success, the movement has quickly spread in Neighboring countries. January 31st, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia they organized Similar protestswith significant adhesion. In Montenegrothe main supermarket chains have recorded a drop in the 56.1% of collectionswhile in other countries there was a clear decrease in the number of customers in stores. Also in Romaniathe far -right politician Calin Georgescu invited citizens to boycott supermarkets on February 10thas a form of protest against the caravan.
The boycott continues
But in Croatia the protest on January 24th. The “Halo, Inspektore” movement launched a second boycott, called “Veliki Bojkot”which involved Some large supermarket chains and specific productsincluding Coca-Cola and detergents. This time, the boycott lasted plus daysup to February 5thwith the aim of increasing pressure on companies and government.
Some also intervened to support the protest cashierwho have decided to voluntarily slow down payment operations as a sign of solidarity. On social media, many citizens have shared support messages, underlining how the cost of living has become unsustainable For many families.
First consequences
Faced with the growing mobilization, the Croatian government has decided to intervene. After a meeting with the representatives of the commercial sector, a New list of products at a calm pricewhich is added to that already introduced in 2023 for essential goods such as milk, oil, yogurt and pork.
In the meantime, in Serbiathe organization Ephektiva has started a similar campaign, denouncing the fact that Many Serbian products cost more home than abroad. Also in Bosnia-Herzegovinathe Minister of Commerce Amir Hasičević supported the right of citizens at Equi prices, defending the boycott as a form of legitimate protest. In short, the Balkans are mobilizing.
