Policy Reversal Sparks Controversy: New Zealand Government Shifts Approach on Anti-Smoking Measures
New Zealand's incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has said that the new conservative government will scrap the world's leading anti-smoking measures. Health advocates have described the move as "a huge victory for the tobacco industry".
AFP reports that former New York Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has introduced a 'generational smoking ban', banning the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after 2008. The ban was scheduled to be phased in later this year.
The New Zealand Health Minister stated at the 28th press conference that the government recognizes that there are a number of challenges to the implementation of the "Smokefree Generation" policy, including the burden on the economy, the limitations on personal choice, and the corresponding enforcement issues. The Minister of Health further indicated that the new government believes that the current measures may not be the most effective approach and that a more comprehensive evaluation will be conducted to find a solution that better meets the needs and expectations of the community.
Although the "No Smoking Generation" policy was repealed, the New Zealand government said that they will continue to promote smoking cessation programs and measures to reduce smoking rates. In addition, the government also plans to strengthen prevention and control measures for youth to ensure that the new generation will not fall into the vicious cycle of smoking.
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