Zagreb, 30 January 2025 (Hina/MIA) - A week-long boycott of the retail chains Lidl, Eurospin, and dm, as well as three product categories - Coca-Cola and other fizzy drinks, bottled water, and dish detergent - began Thursday in Croatia, following a call from the Halo, Inspektore (Hello, Inspector) platform.

The platform urged consumers on Monday to refrain from all shopping Friday and to start a week-long boycott of the three retailers and products from Thursday until the evening of Feb. 5, citing a drastic increase in prices.

Retail workers were encouraged to slow down their work during the protest actions.

On Jan. 24, a one-day boycott of shops was held in protest against high prices. It was initiated by a movement originating from the Facebook group "Halo, Inspektore", backed by the European Centre of Consumer Excellence. The initiative gained support from consumer protection organisations, trade unions, political parties, and even the minister of economy.

The campaign started with social media messages urging citizens to avoid shopping that Friday as a protest against high food prices.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković acknowledged the boycott during last week's government session, saying it was an important and well-articulated message from citizens that would be taken into account.

According to Tax Administration data, the total number of receipts issued in retail stores on Jan. 24 dropped by 44% compared to the previous Friday, while the total transaction value fell by 53%. Across all industries, the number of receipts decreased by 29%, and the total value by 36%.