Greek PM: The war is against tobacco, not smokers

On the occasion of 'World No Tobacco Day', Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Facebook posted that every cigarette put out equals a deep breath of health and progress.

On May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes World No Tobacco Day to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and to discourage people from using tobacco products.

Mitsotakis said that "for several years, we in Greece would welcome World No Tobacco Day wrapped up in (second-hand) smoke and besieged by the threat it generates, (...) but in eight months, after the anti-smoking law was applied everywhere, everything changed."

"The time when everyone smoked in closed spaces seems to be deep in the past," an achievement, he added, that did not necessitate the use of fines and sentences. Personal responsibility became a social responsibility during the coronavirus pandemic, he noted, adding that the purpose is not to go to war against smokers, but against tobacco, whose consumption must be reduced by 25% by 2025.

In a separate message on Twitter, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias said of the day, "Health is the most valuable asset, today and every day." Every day, he said, must become world day against smoking.