Marija Selak Raspudić, independent candidate for president of the Republic of Croatia, said at a gathering in Slavonski Brod: “There are many reasons for dissatisfaction with life in Croatia – from the fact that today’s holiday basket is 30 percent more expensive than last year to corruption and nepotism. This is the Croatian reality.” (Source: Index)
We investigated the statement and determined that the statement is TRUE.
According to data from the Independent Croatian Trade Unions, the traditional holiday consumer basket for 2024 amounts to 540.58 euros, while last year it was 417.91 euros, which represents an increase of approximately 29% (Source: www.nhs.hr). Consequently, the statement is correct.
Although, it is important to mention, the general rate of inflation, according to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, is 3.8% on an annual basis, it does not reflect specific price changes of seasonal products that make up the holiday basket. Namely, general inflation encompasses a wide range of products and services and weights their impact according to their share in total household expenses. Prices of seasonal products, such as meat, fruit and vegetables, often rise significantly more due to increased demand during the holiday season, as union data clearly shows. Therefore, while official inflation data provide insight into the broader economic picture, specific estimates such as the holiday basket better reflect the actual rise in the cost of living in that specific period.
