Student List on Idea Markets: New Government's Measures
The Student movement says a new government will quickly present measures for Idea markets once formed, while suppliers are owed more than 180 million euros.
Suppliers of Idea Marketi d.o.o. Beograd are owed more than 180 million euros, the Student List said in a statement posted on social media on the evening of November 9. Media outlets carried it as a statement from the Student Movement, meaning the students in blockade. Its message is that a new government, as soon as it is formed, will urgently present measures to stabilize the chain’s business. The statement does not say what those measures will be.
What exactly does the Student List announce?
The statement describes Idea markets as a systemically important company. According to it, the chain employs more than 7,000 people, has more than 600 suppliers, total revenue of 93 billion RSD (~800 million EUR) and a retail market share above 15%. Forbes Srbija gives somewhat different figures: more than 300 stores, 7,700 workers and revenue of 790 million euros last year. Our November 4 article put the workforce at 6,500, so the number of employees ranges from 6,500 to 7,700 depending on the source.
The main commitment sits in a single sentence of the statement:
“Upon its formation, the new government will urgently, responsibly and transparently present measures to stabilize the business of IDEA Market and protect all participants in the supply chain.”
The statement does not say what the measures consist of, how much they will cost or whether they involve budget money. It only says what they are meant to achieve:
“We will carry out measures that will calm the market, protect suppliers and employees, and ensure that the burden of this crisis is not shifted onto those who live from their work.”
The closing sentence of the statement says that “the stability of the economy, job security and the protection of domestic suppliers will be among the priorities of the new Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Student Movement.” The government has not been formed yet, however, so this is an announcement, not a decision.
What is asked of suppliers, and what of investigators?
The Student List urges business partners not to withdraw from cooperation. The statement says:
“In the interest of employees, suppliers and consumers, it is important that all business partners show responsibility, continue cooperating and leave room for dialogue and sustainable solutions, so that additional pressure does not endanger the stability of the system before the clear steps of the new government are determined.”
It says the majority of suppliers are ready to support stabilization. In the statement’s words: “We are encouraged by the responsible, sober and constructive approach of the vast majority of suppliers, who are owed over 180 million euros without any guarantees.”
At the same time, it calls for a review of the ownership:
“At the same time, it is necessary to thoroughly examine the circumstances in which the ultimate owner, Davor Macura, acquired ownership of the company, the origin of the funds used to finance the acquisition, and any link between firms that had business relations with Alta Bank and the transaction of acquisition and securing of financing.”
The caveat follows immediately: “Establishing responsibility must not come at the expense of employees, suppliers and citizens.”
Davor Macura, the chain’s ultimate owner, is in custody for up to 30 days. He was arrested on November 2 on the order of the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime, on suspicion of abuse of office at Alta Bank. The National Bank of Serbia revoked the bank’s license on October 31. Fortenova Group, the previous owner, says the purchase transaction with the company Alta Retail was concluded on October 12, 2026, and that the price was paid.
What is happening with debt collection in the meantime?
Forbes Srbija, citing the register of the Commercial Court in Belgrade, reports that several enforcement proceedings based on authentic documents were launched between November 3 and 6, despite the chain’s agreement with about 20 key suppliers. Four lesser-known firms are claiming 45.9 million dinars (~392,000 EUR), and a fifth enforcement was started by a large confectionery company with a claim of 1.07 million euros.
Promissory notes are a separate issue. The National Bank of Serbia register shows dozens of notes the company issued to suppliers, mostly blank, which can be called in at any moment. According to information Forbes Srbija obtained from one supplier, the meeting agreed that the notes would not be cashed and that suppliers would name a representative to oversee payments together with management. Idea markets neither confirmed nor denied these claims, and in a response to that outlet said that “the supply of our stores is proceeding without disruption.”
The 2025 financial report shows why the deal with suppliers is decisive:
- last year’s loss is 4 billion dinars (~34 million EUR)
- long-term provisions and liabilities rose from 17.3 to 26.6 billion dinars (~227 million EUR)
- short-term liabilities stand at 26.6 billion dinars, of which 17.2 billion (~147 million EUR) is owed to domestic suppliers
These figures refer to the end of last year, so they cannot be directly compared with the 180 million euros cited in the statement.
A source among suppliers who spoke to Forbes Srbija says suppliers expect the new government to step in and help, so that domestic companies do not lose another sales channel. According to Forbes Srbija’s review, the Business Registers Agency currently shows no registered court bans or interim measures relating to Idea markets.
