Centre MP Damir Barbir has criticised the announcement by Dubrovnik mayor Mate Franković that he will propose the abolition of existing regulations for short-term lets. Barbir warns that such a measure would be a blow to legal certainty, private property and the livelihoods of thousands of families.
Barbir notes that the solutions were issued by state bodies and that, trusting the state, owners invested, took out loans and paid taxes. He adds that without the permits they should not be allowed to receive guests, but loan repayments would not disappear.
He believes Franković's proposal raises serious constitutional questions because the Constitution protects property, the rule of law and rights acquired through investment. He told Franković that if anyone breaks the rules, the perpetrator should be sanctioned, not collectively punished those who obey the law.
Barbir points out that Franković has not published the text of the amendment, a constitutional analysis or the number of citizens affected. Furthermore, he says, Franković has not explained how abolishing lets would create a home for a young family. He recalled that the government speaks of nearly 600,000 empty residential units, with plans to activate only around 9,000 by 2030.
Instead of punishing owners, Barbir believes tax incentives for long-term lets, faster permits, the release of public land and tax relief on construction are needed. He also highlighted that Metla.hr proposes abolishing 10,000 unnecessary party leadership positions that cost citizens around 500 million euros annually. Over four years that is two billion euros, enough for more than 13,000 homes for young people at a conservative cost of 150,000 euros per home, Barbir said.
Barbir warns that if thousands of legal beds in family accommodation disappear from the market, some guests will be redirected towards hotels and large operators. He believes the public has a right to know who will benefit from this. He stressed that Croatia must choose between 10,000 party posts and more than 13,000 homes for young families.
