A survey conducted by the UGP association of entrepreneurs shows that entrepreneurs are opposed to any new lockdown and that they are unsatisfied with the government's latest measures and are prepared to express their dissatisfaction in protests, this non-governmental association said on Tuesday.

The Voice of Entrepreneurs (UGP) association claims that more and more entrepreneurs and trades are showing their dissatisfaction with the current measures, which they say are thwarting their business and threatening jobs.

The UGP says that businesses in the hospitality sector, casual transport, seasonal trades, hairdressers and many others are increasingly showing their dissatisfaction.

It accuses the the government and relevant ministries of ignoring their appeals and letters. “Entrepreneurs and trades have been left to themselves,” UGP underlined.

The association has conducted two surveys among its members related to the latest measures and possible lockdown and whether they were prepared for new protests in the form of shutting down all business in Croatia for one day as a sign of protest.

According to the results, as many as 92% were prepared to shut down their business for one day and support the protest.

Asked whether they would support a partial lockdown due to the hike in numbers of coronavirus infections, more than 79% said they did not support any lockdown because they consider that would completely destroy the economy.

“We believe that a new lockdown isn’t and should not be an option. In any case UGP will not stand by,” the association’s president Hrvoje Bujas said.

He recalled that the measures so far were directed to keep jobs however entrepreneurs have other costs such as rent, utility fees, loans and so on.