Croatia is currently facing a sharp rise in consumer prices, leaving many citizens frustrated and angry.

In response, a grassroots movement is calling for a nationwide boycott of shopping and supermarket chains on Friday, 24 January.

A viral message circulating on social media urges people to refrain from buying anything that day. The message reads:

“On 24 January, Croatia will hold a boycott against high food prices. People are urged not to buy anything, not a single item. Prepare for the day as if it were Sunday. In the UK, a similar action was taken against fuel prices, and the next day prices dropped by 15 pence per litre, with wages increasing by £100 a month. If just 10% of people participate, it will cause significant losses for retailers, while you will lose absolutely nothing. They will.”

The initiative has garnered strong support online, with comments like, “This is too much – prices are out of control, and I fully support this initiative!” and “It’s time we put an end to these skyrocketing prices.”

This call to action comes as Croatian households continue to feel the strain of inflation. The government has already announced plans to freeze the prices of certain products, but for many citizens, this isn’t enough.

By joining the boycott, they hope to send a clear message to retailers and policy-makers about the urgent need for price relief.

Will this collective action lead to tangible results, as seen in the UK’s fuel price protest? That remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that many Croatians are ready to take matters into their own hands.

For now, the message is clear: mark 24 January in your calendar, stock up on essentials, and join the fight against rising prices.