Entrepreneurs protest government regulations in Zagreb

Hundreds of entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and small business owners gathered in Zagreb to protest against government policies and increasing regulatory burdens in Croatia. Protesters expressed frustration over what they described as excessive state interference in business operations and unfair tax treatments.

Key grievances include the recategorization of small tourism rentals, increased tax burdens for certain flat-rate tradespeople, and new requirements regarding anchored pricing. Petra Mandić, a Rijeka city councilor from the Most party, criticized the government for prescribing every detail of business operations while failing to take responsibility for the consequences of its own decisions. She specifically highlighted the perceived inequality where businesses face immediate inspections and penalties for errors, while the government can delay the application of laws it implements.

The Most party has challenged the government's mandate regarding the online publication of price lists by filing a proposal with the Constitutional Court. Additionally, the party is advocating for economic relief measures, such as raising the VAT threshold from 60,000 to 85,000 euros and simplifying tax filings.