Zagreb - Both the ruling coalition and the opposition on Wednesday welcomed the draft amendments to the Trades Act, describing them as a positive step for tradespeople, while also calling for the abolition of mandatory contributions to the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (HOK).
They also called for small trade businesses to be allowed to work on Sundays.
During the parliamentary debate, MPs said the amendments would improve conditions for craftspeople, including easier work after retirement and simplified business inheritance procedures, though part of the opposition argued the proposals did not go far enough in terms of deregulation.
The parliamentary group of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) welcomed the changes aimed at easing work after retirement, family involvement in businesses and inheritance procedures, but called for membership contributions to the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts -- currently proposed to be reduced from 2% to 1.5% of the basic personal tax allowance -- to become voluntary by the second reading.
Kristina Ikić Baniček of the SDP said the sole purpose of the amendments was to justify the existence of the “bulky and bureaucratised” Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts.
The Croatian Social Liberal Party (HSLS), a junior partner in the ruling coalition, called for the abolition of mandatory contributions to the HOK.
“In the current economic climate, businesses do not need any additional charges, especially mandatory contributions to the HOK or the Croatian National Tourist Board, which always hit small entrepreneurs and craftspeople the hardest,” said Darko Klasić, recalling the abolition of mandatory fees for the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK).
Dalibor Paus of the Istrian Democratic Party (IDS) criticised the proposed reduction in chamber contributions as too small, “worth just one coffee”, and proposed introducing a voluntary variable contribution of up to 0.5% for regional chambers of trades and crafts and craft associations, aimed at financing specific targeted projects.
The Bridge party said the proposed amendments would not significantly improve the position of craftspeople, calling for reduced bureaucracy, tax relief, and support for generational business transfers.
“Craftsmanship is one of the foundations of the Croatian economy and also a demographic issue par excellence. If we want a strong craft sector, we must free craftspeople from unnecessary state burdens. We are calling for simpler regulations, more stable rules and less bureaucracy,” said Ivica Ledenko.
Magdalena Komes of the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) said the amendments create a more stable and modern legal framework and reduce burdens on craftspeople while preserving the role of the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts.
She added that vocational education is one of the most important issues today, noting that HOK has been involved in training new generations of craftspeople for more than 31 years. She said the reduced contribution would ease the burden on craftspeople while maintaining a functional system.