The pre-New Year period traditionally brings increased spending, but also additional pressure on the household budgets of citizens in BiH. Although statistics show that more is spent in December than during the rest of the year, the reality for a large number of citizens remains unchanged, desires are significantly greater than possibilities.
Holiday shopping fever, along with two Christmases, two New Years, holidays and other celebrations, for many lasts almost until the middle of February, and wallets are emptied much faster than they are filled.
Consumer associations warn that December is the month of highest spending, while January often leaves a bitter financial aftertaste.
“Announcements of early payment of pensions can mislead consumers, so it happens that in the second half of January it is very difficult for them to make ends meet. The situation is objectively difficult,” said Jovan Vasilić from the Consumer Association “Zvono” from Bijeljina.
Experts remind that after the holidays, citizens are first faced with regular bills, which are especially high in the winter, while behind the holiday lights and glitter lies a grim reality.
“The majority of citizens welcome these holidays in the same way as in previous years, in poverty and destitution. Unfortunately, for a large number of people, nothing changes even in the long term,” Branko Todorović from the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in BiH told BHRT.
The consumer fever in December, the interlocutors say, is short-lived, while the consequences for household budgets are still felt months after the holidays.
