UGP: The level of supervision for the State should be the same as for entrepreneurs

A Croatian business advocacy group has called for the government to apply the same level of oversight, accountability, and timely action to public institutions as it does to private businesses. The Udruga Glas poduzetnika (UGP), or Association of Entrepreneurs' Voice, made the statement on Wednesday, emphasizing that while private sector entities face rigorous monitoring through tax inspections, fiscal controls, and compliance checks, similar scrutiny is often absent in public administration. The call comes amid reports of illegal waste disposal incidents in areas such as Lika and other parts of Croatia. These cases have reignited concerns over why the state subjects private enterprises to meticulous oversight yet allows serious lapses in public systems to go unnoticed until they escalate into scandals with multi-million-euro damages. According to UGP, small entrepreneurs and craftsmen operate under constant supervision, facing regular audits, deadlines, and penalties for mistakes, which are rarely met with leniency or transitional periods. UGP highlighted how problems within public systems can persist for extended periods before being addressed, ultimately burdening citizens and the economy with the costs of rectification. It argued that the same standards of oversight, responsibility, and prompt action should apply to the government as well. If the state can monitor the finances of a small café in real time, it must also rigorously oversee waste management, public procurement, concessions, state-owned enterprises, and the expenditure of public funds, before issues arise, not after damage has been done. The group further stressed that the same level of accountability should extend to the drafting of regulations that directly impact business operations. It criticized the tendency of the Croatian government to introduce new obligations, requirements, or administrative rules without adequately considering their consequences. Only when problems emerge does the government begin to seriously discuss the implications of its decisions. UGP emphasized that before implementing any new regulatory burden, there should be clear answers regarding its cost, who will be affected, its impact on prices, investments, employment, and the survival of small businesses, and whether simpler and more effective solutions exist. This, it noted, contrasts sharply with the expectations placed on entrepreneurs, who are constantly reminded of the need to be responsible, predictable, and rule-compliant. Now, it said, it is time for the state to hold itself to the same standards. The group pointed out that when a small entrepreneur makes a mistake, they receive a fine. When the system fails, however, the cost is often borne collectively by all citizens. This disparity, according to UGP, underscores the urgent need for greater transparency, accountability, and proactive governance in public administration. The organization's stance reflects growing frustration among business leaders with perceived inefficiencies and lack of oversight in governmental operations. The issue of illegal waste disposal in regions like Lika has become emblematic of broader concerns about systemic failures in public services. These incidents have prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement mechanisms and more robust monitoring frameworks to ensure that public institutions adhere to the same standards of efficiency and accountability as the private sector. UGP’s demands include not only enhanced oversight of public functions but also a commitment to conducting thorough impact assessments prior to introducing new policies or regulations. This approach would help prevent unforeseen negative effects on businesses and the broader economy. The group also urged policymakers to consider alternative measures that could achieve policy goals without imposing unnecessary burdens on entrepreneurs. In addition to these proposals, UGP reiterated the importance of ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions, just as private sector actors are. It argued that this principle should be applied consistently across all levels of governance, reinforcing the idea that both the state and individual businesses must be subject to equal standards of performance and responsibility. The advocacy group’s message is clear: the same rigorous oversight that applies to private enterprises must also be applied to public institutions. Only then can the government ensure that public resources are managed efficiently, and that the interests of all citizens, including entrepreneurs, are protected.