Croatia's Youth Forum Protests Housing Crisis, Says Cardboard Boxes Are Young People's Only Option

Young people in Croatia face a severe housing crisis, leaving their parental homes an average of seven years later than their European Union counterparts, with a staggering 78% still living with their parents. Representatives from the Youth Forum of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) staged a protest outside the Croatian Parliament, using cardboard boxes to symbolize the dire housing situation for young people and students.

Timon Fabijanec, vice president of the SDP Youth Forum, highlighted that despite being hardworking and educated, young Croatians are uncertain about their future employment and ability to afford their first property. He criticized the government, led by Andrej Plenković, for dismissing the issue, and specifically called out Deputy Prime Minister Branko Bačić for suggesting that 18 square meters is sufficient living space for young individuals, a size smaller than many offices.

Karlo Vedak, another vice president of the Youth Forum, explained that the protest coincided with a parliamentary committee meeting on housing affordability for youth. He emphasized that young people are not seeking luxury but decent conditions to purchase their first home and achieve independence. Vedak noted that the ruling party seems to have finally acknowledged the problem, which the SDP has been addressing for years with proposals like their "Plan for Housing."

The SDP Youth Forum advocates for a large public housing fund, long-term rentals, and dedicated housing for young people and families. Vedak urged the government to adopt their housing policies, similar to how they have adopted other SDP proposals, suggesting that the government is incapable of solving the issue on its own.