Croatia observes retail boycott in protest over high prices

A sizable portion of the population observed a nation-wide shopping ban at grocery stores and gas stations on Friday in protest of high prices and the cost of living crisis. 

An online survey by HRT had 93% of respondents say they would support the one day ban. However, a more credible barometer of total receipts at noon on Friday saw a 40% drop in sales, while in-person traffic at stores was down by 47%.

"This is an important and articulated message by citizens that they monitor and compare prices and that some of these prices are unacceptable in comparison to similar or identical products abroad. The citizens' message is important and will be taken into account when defining measures to administratively limit the prices of certain products, which the government will adopt next week," said Prime Minister Andrej Plenković at today's cabinet session.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Marko Primorac said it was not up to the government to call on citizens to protest. At the same time, as a private citizens, Primorac said he would indeed avoid making any purchases on this day.

"The government has appealed to everyone in the production process to see what can be done to keep prices, especially food products, as low as possible. As for the boycott, I don't think it's up to the government to organize or call for a boycott, but as a citizen, as a consumer, I completely understand their frustration. As far as I'm concerned, I won't be going to the store today," said the minister.

Economy Minister Ante Šušnjar, who had earlier lent his support to the boycott, said on Friday it was a way for consumers to flex their muscle.

The mister added the caveat that it was not a boycott against retailers, producers and distributors; rather, it was a protest against high prices.

"This is boycott against unacceptable business practices. There needs to be a partnership, because without consumers there is no market. I call on retailers, producers and distributors to continue being constructive and to lower the prices of all their goods, and not just the once on the government's limited list of products with a fixed price, in order to help our citizens, especially those in vulnerable groups," said Šušnjar.

Meanwhile, members of the opposition accused the government of taking credit for the boycott and benefitting politically by lending their support behind the movement when they themselves are largely responsible for the soaring prices.

Božo Petrov from the Bridge party said it was ridiculous for the government to turn around and support the boycott.

"This sounds like an identity crisis to me. They don't know whether they're in the opposition or part of the government which has the power to stop these insane price hikes," said Petrov.

For their part, the Croatian Employers' Association said that without systematic changes, the deregulation of the economy, reducing taxes, and easing investment conditions that can result in increased competition among retailers, the effect of Friday's boycot will be short-term and negligible.