Whoever is cheating the budget is cheating on Croatian citizens and there will be no mercy toward them, Finance Minister Slavko Linic said in response to recent criticism that it was shameful to shut down hospitality facilities on the Adriatic coast in the midst of the tourism season.
"I do not agree with stories how that is damaging tourism. People who steal, grab and fill their pockets are shameful for Croatian tourism, but my message to them is that in addition to being a shame to Croatia tourism, be assured that we will investigate your assets and property and we will come to the root of your money. There will be no mercy. The sooner we clean up the sooner we will have an orderly tourism sector without irresponsible people", Linic said for the Nova TV commercial television station on Thursday.
Deputy director of the Tax Administration Josip Lozancic added that tax officials have to ensure equal conditions for everyone so that they do their business according to the law.
"This is a period when economic activity in that region is intensified", he said for Nova TV.
They do not have to convince us of anything, all they have to do is abide by the law which means that in the future they must not do anything that goes against the law and we won't have any need to intervene, said Lozancic.
Linic once again confirmed the benefits of fiscalisation which will continue for some time to come until the market is 'cleaned up' of all those immoral people who were not paying taxes. "And all those who were serious, and paid, now have more work, work better and are employing more people", said Linic.
He did not wish to comment on assessments that the recession had come to an end in the eurozone and how that would impact Croatia's economy. "It's best not to forecast but to try and boost investments, work actively, seek discipline and maybe then it will be better", he said.
