Comments - Latest Popular Stories, Instablogs Community by Balkanbaby

George

George — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In March, the Macedonian government had amended the Law on Tobacco and Tobacco Products. It also amended the anti-smoking law by launching a nationwide campaign against smoking. By the time of mid-2009, cigarette companies will have to depict photos of smokers’ diseased organs on the cigarette packs. Its a good and long awaiting move.

Ayman

Ayman — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It is really a good news that Macedonia is joining the anti-smoking across the world campaign. The association between exposure to passive smoking and odds of developing acute coronary syndromes is dangerous to health. The tobacco industry in Macedonia is angry about the changes but they should understand the intensity of health hazard.

Brilakis

Brilakis — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The situation in Macedonia has gone almost at threatening level. According to Studies, 33% of the population in the country do smoke one cigarette packet on average per day. More than eight per cent of those smokers are in the age group of 13 to 15.

Nicola

Nicola — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

I really hope that Macedonian government does something and fast. Cigarettes are the drugs which are more dangerous than the hard ones, but because it has been prevalent from a long time it is not seen with equal scorn. It not only destroys your body but also takes away the spirit from you to enjoy the precious life.

Brajesh

Brajesh — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Good move but hardly sustainable given that so many Macedonians are such heavy smokers. This also appears to be a publicity stunt. During the Yugoslav war I saw a picture where a five year old girl was lighting up while her father looked on cheerfully. Guess the picture was that of an Albanian refugee girl. During that time it felt as if it is a very common thing to see very young people smoking in those parts.

We always knew Poland is one country where the population enjoy their smoke. I wonder what the laws are like there now. If there is a similar law in place and is working then I have every reason to believe that it is a good move.

Edward

Edward — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Ayman, but if were to play devil’s advocate then I would say that the Macedonian government shouldn’t seek such an immediate change of direction. Instead, while people still smoke they should gradually charge higher and higher taxes on cigarettes. Some people will have to stop, others will be supporting the national economy while they continue to smoke and young people would be less inclined to take up the habbit if they can’t afford it. Yes, cheap ciggies would surely come in from places like Albania and Kosovo, but in that case a similar model should be followed there.

Edward

Edward — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Nicola, again, I’m playing devil’s advocate, but in response to your argument that cigarettes stop people enjoying life, haven’t some of the world’s greatest figures been smokers? Since we are here in the context of Macedonia, formerly part of Yugoslavia, the country’s former leader, Josip Broz Tito, was a heavey smoker and certainly enjoyed the finer side of life once in power.

Edward

Edward — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Brajesh, all of Eastern Europe is still steeped in cigarette smoke. Having said that, there is now a reactionary movement amogst elements of the youth who are strongly against smoking. Take for example anti smoking groups of facebook for cities like Belgrade... This grassroots opinion didn’t exist a little while ago, so maybe it’s going in the right direction.