Croatians Launch Nationwide Boycott Over Soaring Prices

On January 24, Croatia experienced a significant shopping boycott organized by consumer groups to protest against soaring food prices and inflation, which has reached the highest levels in the EU. The initiative, supported by various political parties, trade unions, and even government officials, encouraged citizens to refrain from shopping for a day, resulting in a dramatic drop in retail sales, with reports indicating a 40% decrease in receipts. Major cities like Zagreb and Split saw empty supermarkets as consumers heeded the call, reflecting widespread frustration over a 45% increase in food prices since 2020. While some critics questioned the boycott's effectiveness, calling for more sustained action, supporters argued that the consumer strike was a necessary message to retailers and the government to address price gouging. Economic experts attribute Croatia's inflation crisis to several factors, including high VAT rates and an aging population. The boycott has sparked discussions on potential long-term solutions to the economic challenges faced by Croatian households.