35,000 signatures against new taxes: Entrepreneurs tell government to "withdraw proposal"

The government's new package of anti-inflation measures, which should come into effect at the beginning of next year, has caused strong dissatisfaction among craftsmen, small entrepreneurs and landlords.

The association Glas poduzetnika has collected 35,000 signatures in a petition titled "No to new taxes" and is asking the government to withdraw the proposal that envisages an increase in flat rates for craftsmen and small landlords, warning that the measures could harm the economy. In the event of a lack of agreement, they do not rule out the possibility of protests.

These topics were discussed today at two separate meetings at the Ministry of Finance. The Minister of Finance met with representatives of the Croatian Chamber of Crafts, while representatives of the Ministry of Finance and the association Glas poduzetnika held a separate meeting.

As reported by reporter Marina Ninković for HRT news, the main topic of discussion was the increase in flat rates for craftsmen and small landlords.

“What representatives of craftsmen and entrepreneurs are interested in is the impact of the new measures on the operations of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. They also want small entrepreneurs to be included in the decision-making process,” said Ninković.

The President of the Croatian Chamber of Crafts and Trades, Dalibor Kratohvil, assessed the meeting as constructive.

“We are here today to open a dialogue. We are satisfied with the meeting held, we have confronted all the arguments from both sides. The Minister presented his anti-inflation package, and we have come up with concrete proposals. We have also arranged new meetings at which we will elaborate our proposals and, I believe, come to a solution that will benefit Croatian craftsmen,” said Kratohvil.

Representatives of the Glas poduzetnika association presented three key demands.

“These demands are that there are no new levies, or that this proposal in this form be withdrawn. Secondly, an impact analysis should be conducted before any similar proposals are made. Thirdly, if something is increased, something else should be reduced adequately. We also demand that legitimate representatives of small entrepreneurs, landlords and craftsmen be included in all discussions with the Government,” said Dražen Oreščanin, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Voice of Entrepreneurs association.

Deputy President of the Voice of Entrepreneurs association Lana Šiljeg warned that the proposed measures could have negative consequences for the economy.

“It is only reasonable to listen because these measures are harmful to both entrepreneurs and our economy. We will move forward institutionally, and the option of protest is in the air, although we are not confirming it for now,” Šiljeg emphasized.

Source: HRT