Erdoğan Signals New Anti-Smoking Legislation: Adopting the UK Model
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has indicated plans for new anti-smoking legislation, inspired by a recent law enacted in the UK that bans the sale of cigarettes to individuals born after 2009. Speaking at a “World No Tobacco Day” event at the Vahdettin Mansion, attended by youth from various countries, Erdoğan highlighted the tobacco industry’s harmful impact on society and the necessity for stronger measures to combat smoking.
Erdoğan expressed hope that World No Tobacco Day activities would enhance awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, specifically thanking a young advocate, Tuğba, for her efforts in this area. He noted that the tobacco industry continued to expand by exploiting legal loopholes and introducing new products, thus endangering lives while generating $700 billion in annual profits.
He revealed that in Turkey, 85,000 people died each year due to smoking-related illnesses, with global daily deaths from such diseases reaching 20,000. Erdoğan emphasized his and the government’s longstanding battle against smoking, which included confiscating cigarette packs, increasing awareness among youth, enforcing indoor smoking bans, raising fines, and applying high taxes on tobacco products. Efforts have also been made to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of health warnings on cigarette packages and to combat the illegal entry of electronic cigarettes into the country.
NEW LAW BANNING SAKE OF CIGARETTES TO THOSE BORN AFTER 2009
The discussion of adopting the UK’s model was prompted by a 15-year-old student from the UK, who explained the new law banning the sale of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes to those born after 2009, recently approved by the UK House of Commons. The student underscored the potential health benefits and reduction in passive smoking and pollution that this law could bring.
Erdoğan suggested that Turkey could collaborate with the UK on this legislation if necessary. AK Party Istanbul MP Müşerref Pervin Tuba Durgut supported adapting the law for Turkey, emphasizing its potential to protect children. Erdoğan responded positively, indicating a willingness to explore this legislative model further.
9 YEAR OLD BOY ASKS ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF CLOSING CIGARETTE FACTORIES
When asked by a 9-year-old about the possibility of closing cigarette factories, Erdoğan responded affirmatively, hinting at the broader ambitions of Turkey’s anti-smoking campaign. (EKONOMIM.COM)
