Croatian Retail Boycott Sends a Powerful Message Against Inflation
On January 24,2025,Croatian citizens made their voices heard loud and clear. In a bold move too protest against soaring prices and inflation,they organized a nationwide boycott of retail stores. The results, as revealed by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Croatia, were staggering.
The tax management of the Ministry of Finance released detailed data comparing retail activity on January 24, 2025, with that of January 17, 2025. The numbers paint a vivid picture of the boycott’s impact. On January 24, the total number of fiscal invoices issued across all activities was 5,096,083, amounting to €78,373,051.19. This marked a 29% decrease in the number of invoices and a 36% drop in total value compared to the previous week.
The retail sector, excluding car and motorcycle sales, saw an even more dramatic decline. On January 24, onyl 2,081,506 invoices were issued, totaling €28,604,251.58. This represented a 44% reduction in the number of invoices and a 53% plunge in total value compared to January 17.
A Clear message from the People
Josip Kelemen,advisor to the Alo,Inspector platform,emphasized the importance of this collective action. Speaking on Croatian National Television’s Studio 4 program, he stated, “Citizens send a clear message for the first time, irrespective of political or other belonging.”
The boycott’s impact was undeniable. Some retailers, feeling the pressure, slashed prices on January 24. Kelemen noted, “This means that they do care, although they initially said that this would not affect their buisness.”
The Call for Government action
The protest was not just about one day of reduced sales. it was a call for long-term solutions. Kelemen urged the government to address the root causes of inflation. “We expect the government to devote more to the problem of inflation, which is not from yesterday, nor have prices risen yesterday. We are aware that results cannot be expected overnight, but someone has to work on inflation and high prices, and not just give advice,” he said.
What’s Next?
The success of the January 24 boycott has sparked discussions about future actions. Kelemen hinted at the possibility of extended boycotts targeting specific retail chains or products.“the voice of the people must be heard. We’ll see what the boycott analysis will show,” he told HRT.
The Alo, Inspector platform plans to engage its users through its Facebook page to gather opinions and proposals for future initiatives.
Key Data Comparison
| Metric | January 17, 2025 | January 24, 2025 | Change |
|—————————–|—————————|—————————|———————|
| Total fiscal Invoices | 7,195,480 | 5,096,083 | ↓ 29% |
| Total Invoice Value (€) | 121,898,234.32 | 78,373,051.19 | ↓ 36% |
| Retail Invoices | 3,697,571 | 2,081,506 | ↓ 44% |
| Retail Invoice Value (€) | 60,565,083.41 | 28,604,251.58 | ↓ 53% |
A Turning Point for Croatia
The January 24 boycott was more than a protest—it was a wake-up call. Croatian citizens demonstrated their collective power,forcing retailers and policymakers to take notice. As the nation grapples with inflation, this event could mark the beginning of a broader movement for economic justice.
Stay tuned for updates on future initiatives and join the conversation on the Alo, Inspector Facebook page. Your voice matters.