Tele2 release a clear, sharp statement in response to the potential introduction of the health minister's ''luxury'' taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, and... mobile phones.
''It isn't clear from the statement [made by Milan Kujundžić] what exactly would be taxed and we hope this is a reckless statement that will not lead to changes which might adversely affect our industry,'' states Tele2.
As 24sata reports on the 22nd of September, 2017, after Health Minister Milan Kujundžić announced the introduction of a ''luxury tax'' on certain alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, gambling and mobile phones which would result in the freeing up of an estimated three billion kuna in the name of health care, public reactions were both passionate and varied to say the very least. Understandably, Tele2 reacted negatively to the idea that mobile phones could apparently fall into the ''luxury'' category alongside cigarettes, gambling and alcohol.
Upon Kujundžić's announcement of the introduction of an additional 10% tax, the company reacted sharply:
''At a time when the European Commission is imposing high standards in terms of infrastructure investment in its member states to ensure the availability of high-speed networks to all its citizens, and the Republic of Croatia is behind, we were surprised by today's announcement of the introduction of a luxury tax which will allegedly include mobile phones.
From the available statements, it remains unclear what exactly would be taxed and we hope it is [merely] a reckless statement that will not lead to any changes which might adversely affect our industry.
The consequences of a triple increase in the fee for the use of the radio frequency spectrum from the year 2014 are still visible today due to the lack of relevant infrastructure investments, increased operator burdens, and thus increased costs - ultimately borne by citizens.
Contrary to the proposed action outlined in the statement, we believe that it is necessary to reduce the burden on mobile operators and create a stimulating framework for operator investment in order to achieve the necessary investment in high speed networks which are necessary to achieve the goals of the Digital Agenda of the European Union, to strengthen the economy, improve the quality of life of the people of the Republic of Croatia and raise Croatia's competitiveness on the European market'' states Tele2.
Tele2's statement translated from 24sata.hr
