The organization “Alternativa Crna Gora” (ACG) has called on citizens to boycott the retail chains Idea and Aroma starting Monday, February 24, based on the results of another online survey. They added that if no concrete results or changes occur, the boycott could become long-term.
According to data from their Facebook page, 17% of votes were for the HDL markets, 27% for Aroma, and 56% for Idea markets.
“Every next step will be taken solely in accordance with the will of the citizens. We invite them to join us and show the power of unity. When citizens are not heard, they do not buy! Boycott Idea and Aroma,” ACG representatives stated.
They also mentioned that the representatives of the retail chains have not responded, despite having a unique opportunity to listen to the will of the citizens and show responsibility towards the community. ACG, which began calling for boycotts of stores nearly a month ago—first for one day, then two, followed by a seven-day boycott of Voli markets—called on the Minister of Economic Development, Nikola Đeljošaj, to urgently address the “alarmingly high prices of basic food items.”
In a letter sent to Đeljošaj, they expressed the view that it is high time for his department to take steps to protect citizens’ living standards, rather than observing the problem from a distance and delaying its resolution. The organization also requested a meeting with representatives of the retail chains to find a compromise solution for reducing the prices of basic goods.
Additionally, they asked the minister for concrete measures to reduce prices, introduce subsidies, and ensure the guaranteed purchase of all domestic production. They also believe that clearly labeling domestic products in all supermarkets would allow citizens to consciously choose and support the local economy.
Earlier, Đeljošaj stated that he opposes boycotts of stores, arguing that such actions will not benefit anyone, while also questioning the legitimacy of calls coming from “some Facebook organization.” He added that his stance is aligned with that of the government, and that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, in reacting positively to the calls for a boycott on social media, expressed his personal opinion as a citizen.
