A wave of misinformation regarding Croatia's inflation rates has sparked concerns about the potential consequences of adopting the euro in Bulgaria. The spread of misleading claims, fueled by cherry-picked data and biased narratives, underscores the complexities surrounding economic discourse and public opinion.

Recent publications on inflation in Croatia have garnered attention across Bulgarian websites and social media platforms, reports Factcheck.bg. While these reports highlight Croatia's high inflation levels in March, they fail to provide a comprehensive analysis of the country's economic landscape.

Despite statistical accuracy, the articles neglect to acknowledge Croatia's overall economic trajectory. They omit crucial information, such as the minimal increase in inflation compared to previous months and the country's consistent economic growth since joining the Eurozone.

Furthermore, the publications fail to mention Croatia's substantial income growth and its position among the top performers in the EU. The European Central Bank's assessment of the euro's impact on consumer prices in Croatia is also overlooked, adding to the incomplete portrayal of the situation.

This selective presentation of data, known as cherry-picking, aims to support a specific narrative while disregarding contradictory evidence. By highlighting Croatia's brief inflation surge, some media outlets suggest a correlation between inflation and euro adoption, despite the lack of substantial evidence.

The dissemination of these narratives extends beyond traditional media, infiltrating social media platforms. Posts on social media platforms perpetuate the narrative of inflated prices in Croatia, amplifying concerns about Bulgaria's potential euro adoption.

The circulation of misinformation intensifies during significant events, such as Croatia's recent parliamentary elections. False claims about doubled prices in Croatia post-euro adoption gain traction, despite lacking empirical evidence.

The spread of misleading information underscores the concerted effort to sway public opinion against Bulgaria's integration into the Eurozone. By leveraging partial truths and sensationalized anecdotes, certain groups seek to undermine confidence in euro adoption, perpetuating skepticism and uncertainty.

The recurrence of similar misinformation campaigns highlights the persistence of anti-Euro sentiment and the challenges of navigating economic discourse in Bulgaria. As discussions surrounding euro adoption continue, addressing misinformation and promoting informed dialogue remain paramount.

Vasilena Dotkova from Factcheck.bg is the author of the report.