The Croatian economy is growing four times faster than the European average, unemployment is at a record low and economic growth has never been higher - all of which is recognised by the rating agencies. These achievements were emphasised by Finance Minister Marko Primorac at an economists' conference in Opatija. “The progress made in the last eight years is truly fascinating,” said Primorac, “both in terms of fiscal consolidation with the reduction of public debt as a percentage of GDP and GDP per capita, which has risen from €11,000 to €22,000.
” On the other hand, there seems to be another side to Croatia – a country where 20% of people are at risk of poverty , purchasing power is falling and around 400,000 inhabitants have left the country in the last ten years. It is a country where around 300,000 pensioners receive a pension of €300 or less. “There are many people who cannot live on their income and we must recognise the inflationary pressures that undeniably exist.
We can compare the situation with eight or ten years ago and say that it is better, but the reality is that Croatia is unfortunately progressing slower than comparable countries,” said Darko Tipuric , President of the Croatian Economic Association. Minister Primorac does not see the situation as so gloomy. He admits that there is poverty, but argues that the situation is better than in 2016.
He also disputes the claim that inflation has cancelled out wage and pension growth. “Look at how.