The United Trade Unions of Serbia “Sloga” are demanding an urgent report from the Competition Protection Commission regarding the progress of the investigation launched against four retail chains. Sloga recalls that former minister Tomislav Momirović previously stated that there was a possibility of high fines, or even the closure of these chains, due to suspicions of price-fixing.
The union emphasizes that this request is extremely urgent and important, particularly in light of the dramatic increase in the prices of basic foodstuffs ahead of the New Year and Christmas holidays. Instead of the usual price reductions common in the EU and neighboring countries, citizens are facing unjustified price hikes that directly impact the standard of living of the predominantly impoverished population.
Sloga also points out that the tragedy in Novi Sad, which claimed the lives of 15 people, as well as the reshuffling of ministers in the government, should not be used as an excuse to halt this process.
“Perhaps the government has forgotten its obligations related to this procedure, but we have not, as it is of utmost importance for the citizens of Serbia. Our citizens, who are already suffering from constant inflationary pressure and are paying the highest prices for basic foodstuffs in Europe and the region, have the right to know how far the investigation has progressed and why specific measures have not been taken,” emphasizes Sloga. They are calling on the new Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade, Jagoda Lazarević, to either address the public immediately upon taking office or for the Ministry to provide detailed information on the case.
Additionally, the union is calling on relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all retail chains in the country.
