The previous government, led by Labor leader Jacinda Ardern, passed a law stipulating that people born after 2009 would no longer be allowed to sell tobacco products. The new Conservative government wants to change that. There is great enthusiasm among health experts.
New Zealand’s new government has just taken office, and it has already caused an outcry among health experts: Shortly after taking office on Monday, Conservative Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that he wanted to overturn parts of the drastic left-wing anti-smoking laws. of the previous government. The coalition, which also includes the populist NZ First party, wants to use the measure to finance tax cuts.
Advocates of a smoke-free society are horrified. Late last year, the Pacific state, under the leadership of Labor leader Jacinda Ardern, passed a groundbreaking law banning smoking for people born after 2009. Tobacco can no longer be sold to them for life. This means that young people should no longer be tempted to start smoking. Reducing the nicotine content in cigarettes and reducing the number of tobacco sales outlets are also enshrined in law. The country is expected to be virtually smoke-free by 2025. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand.
Britain recently announced that it would like to follow New Zealand’s example and make future generations “smoke-free”. The British BBC spoke of a “shocking turnaround” in the Commonwealth country.
“Greater burden on our healthcare system”
National Māori health organization Hāpai Te Hauora has called on the new government to reconsider repealing the laws. New Zealand is recognized internationally as a model for its pioneering efforts to reduce tobacco consumption, said interim chief executive Jason Alexander. “We cannot allow our most vulnerable to pay the price of tax cuts to satisfy our country’s richest and line their pockets.” New Zealand’s indigenous people have higher smoking rates than the rest of the population and are particularly prone to tobacco-related diseases.
The New Zealand Asthma and Respiratory Foundation also condemned the ad. “This measure not only undermines the progress we have made as a country in protecting respiratory health, but also puts greater pressure on our healthcare system,” the foundation said. The Luxon National Party said it will remain committed to reducing smoking rates and will keep all other rules in place. (APA/dpa)