the victory of citizens against the tobacco lobbies

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Whether on social networks, in magazines, through posters in the streets or shops, at the cinema or during sporting events, children and teenagers should no longer be exposed to advertisements extolling the merits of tobacco or vaping in Switzerland.

In France since the Evin law, it is obvious (and for thirty years, the legislation has been constantly reinforced), but in terms of prevention, Switzerland was at the bottom of the class. The popular initiative, submitted to vote on Sunday February 13, called “Yes to the protection of children and young people against tobacco advertising”, was finally adopted with nearly 57% of the vote.

It does not solve everything: advertising that only targets adults, by email for example, remains authorized and in some cantons, tobacco can still be sold to minors.

A result of 57% is not a massive endorsement either. But you have to take the context into account. The three largest tobacco companies in the world are based in Switzerland: the world’s leading producer, Philip Morris has its European headquarters in Lausanne. As well as No. 2, British American Tobacco, while Japan Tobacco International (JTRI) has its world headquarters in Geneva. AT

these three multinationals bring in six billion euros a year in tax revenue and employ more than 11,000 people. It is for these manufacturers that the legislation has always been very permissive, for them that the authorities have refused to impose plain packaging. They are so powerful that even the federal government and parliament have sided with them in opposing the ban on tobacco advertising. Although some cantons had already tightened their rules and ane new law was planned for 2023, in the eyes of anti-smoking associations it did not go far enough.

Faced with lobbies, it is ultimately the citizens who have won. “We are extremely happy. The people have nevertheless understood that health is more important than economic interests”said Stefanie de Borba, of The League against cancer. The fact that their popular initiative was adopted, which is rather rare, is a real paradigm shift.

Each year, 9,500 people die from smoking in Switzerland. Reported to the population (8.6 million inhabitants), it is the same proportion as in France. To which are added 400,000 people suffering from a chronic illness linked to smoking, according to Doctor Jean-Paul Humair, one of the voices of the “yes”.

The government is losing… “This means that virtually all advertising is prohibited, including for adults. In the name of child protectionwe infantilize adults”, launched Patrick Eperon, spokesperson for the “no” campaign and member of the Center patronal organization.

A spokesman for Philip Morris International told AFP: “Individual freedom is on a slippery slope“. He urges the authorities to ensure that advertising aimed at adults remains authorized. And the big tobacco companies continue to hone their health-conscious corporate image…

Some elected officials denounce the hygienist and well-meaning tendency of society. “Today we talk about cigarettes, (tomorrow) it will be alcohol, meat” says Philippe Bauer, member of the Council of States and deputy of the Liberal-Radical Party, who also criticizes “dictatorship of political correctness”.

This popular initiative will not be translated into law until next year, but in this country which remains “homeland of tobacco multinationals”, the associations will ensure that the provisions of their text do not go up in smoke.


source site-14