As of January 1, the price of gas has seen a two-percent reduction, offering some relief to consumers. However, the cost of food continues its upward trajectory, leaving many concerned. While Croatian citizens protest against rising prices, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) remains largely indifferent, with no major backlash from the population.
In Croatia, even the Minister of Economy has joined the boycotts organized by citizens and various advocacy groups. Meanwhile, BiH political leaders appear disconnected from the struggles of ordinary citizens, with some, like Milorad Dodik, President of Republika Srpska, commenting on changes in consumer behavior as though the challenges were insignificant.
“The production and consumption of bread are on the decline, while the production of rolls and other higher-quality baked goods is increasing. This suggests that our people now have the option to choose more luxurious alternatives,” Dodik remarked, further illustrating his disconnect with everyday struggles.
The situation is further highlighted by a past comment from Fadil Novalić, the former federal prime minister, now serving a prison sentence. When questioned about the true value of 100 BAM this year compared to last, Novalić’s response underscored his lack of empathy: “It depends on what you buy. If you buy oil, you’ll get 37% less than you did last year.”
Citizens are becoming increasingly aware that their leaders are more interested in maintaining the status quo than addressing their needs. “We support it, but we don’t protest,” one citizen lamented. “Tuzla pensioners are set to strike, and we’re still silent, content to be humiliated.”
Lejla Čaušević Sućeska, from the Federation of Autonomous Trade Unions of BiH, believes the apparent social lethargy is not due to apathy but rather to the fragmented political system that disorients citizens. “The political structure is so fragmented that organizing a protest is incredibly challenging. People don’t know where to direct their grievances.”
Despite this, the government of the Federation of BiH has recently approved a modest two-percent reduction in natural gas prices. However, this has not halted the rising cost of food. Unlike the typical annual inflation spike, this year’s food price increases are more substantial.
Economist Igor Gavran notes that while some price increases are a result of external factors, such as rising electricity costs in the economy, there is a significant discrepancy between the global price hikes and those seen locally in BiH. “Some businessmen have justified raising prices due to increased costs, but others could absorb these increases within their profit margins,” Gavran said.
The BiH consumer basket has long exceeded 3,000 BAM, with low wages, high trade margins, and a lack of domestic food production contributing to BiH’s position as one of the poorest regions in Europe in terms of food costs. According to the Consumer Protection Ombudsman, a comparison of global prices over the last few decades reveals troubling trends. For example, while the price of coffee on international markets has returned to levels seen in 2009-2010, consumers in BiH are now paying much more.
Perhaps most concerning is the stark contrast between global and domestic price hikes. While global food prices have increased by 20%, prices in BiH have risen by 100% to 400%, according to data from N1.
As citizens continue to struggle with rising living costs and a seemingly indifferent political establishment, the call for change and accountability becomes ever louder.