The session of the Čitluk Municipal Council was scheduled for 9 a.m., and since early morning, traders gathered in front of Hotel Brotnjo demanding equal treatment for their businesses, reports Hercegovina.info.
They stated that they want the same rights already enjoyed by betting shops, bakeries, catering establishments, souvenir shops, and other businesses allowed to operate on Sundays.
Those gathered claim this is a tourist municipality where traders have no advantages, leading them to consider such practices discriminatory.
"Although the decision came from the federal level, not the municipal one, we have examples from other cities like Mostar or Neum on how this part related to tourist offerings has been resolved. We are being pressured more by the municipality; we were promised this item would be on the agenda, but it never made it to the Municipal Council sessions. It all comes down to the weekend—in Međugorje, there is no work like there used to be every day. We mostly live off the weekend, and this Sunday means a lot in that regard," said the dissatisfied traders.
The gathering was also commented on by HDZ 1990 councilor Dragan Kozina, who believes that stores should be treated equally.
"I believe all stores should be treated equally and that no distinction should be made between businesses. Međugorje is specific, and pilgrims want to buy souvenirs, anything... I think boutiques and other stores should be allowed to operate just like everyone else."
The gathered entrepreneurs were also addressed by Čitluk Mayor Marin Radišić, responding to questions about inspections. He confirmed that the municipality does not send inspectors to stores, and the traders ultimately told him to visit Međugorje after 7 p.m., following the end of Mass, to see the situation on the ground and the consequences of decisions they deem chaotic.