A large number of citizens have joined the initiative to boycott supermarkets as a result of the continuous rise in prices. They support this initiative, emphasizing that the state must take measures to stop this phenomenon. The initiative has gained support on social media, where a group of citizens has been formed, calling for the boycott. The movement has gathered support from more than 6,000 citizens, while over 200,000 others have been informed about it, according to KosovaPress.
Xhevat Kastrati, one of the founders of the initiative, stated today that there have been numerous reports from citizens that the boycott is being observed. However, he also mentioned that some individuals are unaware of the boycott due to the elections. A similar initiative was initially launched in several countries in the region, including Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
Citizens in Kosovo complain about high prices and price manipulation in some supermarkets.
Nexhmedin Llapashtica, a citizen supporting this initiative, believes that boycotts alone are not enough and that a stronger public reaction is needed.
Refik Ramaj, another citizen, also believes that prices are extremely high and that this initiative should be supported by everyone.
On the other hand, citizen Sevdije Hoti also supports this initiative, stating that it is justified given the high prices.
However, this initiative will not end today. According to the founders of the movement, it will continue on other dates as well. Xhevat Kastrati, the initiative’s founder, stated that for the next date, they will be more organized to inform a larger number of citizens.
“We have received numerous reports from citizens in our Facebook group. Some say there are still shoppers, but others report that people are not shopping in large numbers as usual. Right now, we have over 6,000 members in the Facebook group, and at least these members will respect the initiative. Also, on Instagram, we have reached over 200,000 people through our posts and thousands of shares. I believe we have managed to influence people, even if just a little, to refrain from shopping today… Based on our data, over 200,000 Kosovo citizens have been informed. The elections have also affected the level of support for the initiative on the first day. However, we will continue with new initiatives on future dates,” says Kastrati.
A few days ago, the chairman of the “Consumer” association, Selatin Kaçaniku, also supported the initiative, emphasizing that the era of fraud and speculative pricing has come to an end. He told KosovaPress that prices in Kosovo are artificially set and should be lower than in their countries of origin. He also added that Kosovo needs trade representatives to monitor the progress of exports and imports. It is worth noting that, angered by the continuous price increases, citizens of several Western Balkan countries were called to boycott shopping at major food stores at the end of January.
