This morning, Croatia initiated a seven-day boycott against the Lidl, Eurospin, and DM retail chains, as well as three specific products, due to high pricing. This movement is organized by the consumer platform “Hello, Inspector,” with a complete boycott of all stores, products, and services set to start tomorrow.

“Our goal is to send a more powerful message that the Croatian market must be regulated, with effective control mechanisms activated,” stated Josip Kelemen, an advisor to “Hello, Inspector,” which is supported by the European Center for Consumer Excellence (ECIP).

He shared with Croatian Radio and Television that public interest in this new boycott reflects the citizens’ desire for market reforms. The latest actions were prompted by consumer feedback and suggestions for further actions following the successful one-day boycott last Friday.

Participants are encouraged to refrain from shopping at Lidl, Eurospin, and DM for a week, as their prices in Croatia are considerably higher than in other European nations. Additionally, they are asked to avoid purchasing Coca-Cola, other carbonated beverages, bottled water, and all types of detergents for seven days due to significant price hikes.

A broader boycott of all shops has been planned for tomorrow, inviting citizens to refrain from all consumer activities.

“This will encompass a boycott of all shopping activities. We urge citizens and consumers to hold off on making any purchases,” Kelemen mentioned earlier this week, also urging them to avoid dining out, fueling their vehicles, paying bills, visiting banks, and shopping online.

The boycott has garnered support from consumer protection organizations, trade unions, political parties, and various government ministers. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković remarked during a government meeting that this boycott is a significant and articulated message from the populace that must be acknowledged.

The Prime Minister has announced plans to review the list of products with regulated prices, promising discussions with retail chain representatives and manufacturers today.

The massive turnout for the boycott last Friday was evident in the nearly deserted stores across Zagreb and other Croatian cities. Images of vacant shops, with just a handful of patrons, circulated widely throughout the day on news outlets and social media, particularly on the “Hello, Inspector” platform.

Data from the Tax Administration reveals that the overall number of invoices issued on the first boycott day, Friday, January 24, was 44 percent lower compared to the week prior, with the total invoice amount dropping by 53 percent.

News