PS ensures approval of anti-tobacco law even with freedom to vote on the bench

This Thursday, the parliamentary leader of the PS pledged general approval for the government’s proposal to strengthen the fight against smoking, despite the fact that there is freedom of voting on the backbenches and some Socialist MPs speak out against it.

The leadership diploma, which aims to adopt new standards for smoking prevention and control, was discussed in plenary today and will be put to a general vote on Friday.

In front of journalists in the Assembly of the Republic, Eurico Brillante Díaz confirmed that Socialist deputies will have a free voice when voting on the new anti-smoking law.

“The proposed tobacco law is like any other law that is not within the guidelines of the National PS Policy Commission or within the scope of regulation [do Grupo Parlamentar], has the right to vote. Freedom of voting has been adopted since 2011, when António José Seguro was the secretary general of the PS,” he recalled.

However, subsequently, Eurico Brillante Diaz expressed his conviction that the government’s diploma would be approved as a whole by a majority vote of the PS deputies, and then “worked through in a specialized discussion.”

“We have collective work to do – and we will do it according to our specialty,” he added.

This Thursday, during the plenary debate, the Minister of Health assured that the government’s proposal “is not prohibitive” and that the ministry is working to “help those who want to quit smoking.”

“We want to regulate. By reducing places where you can smoke, reducing points of sale and equalizing tobacco smoking. [aquecido ao tradicional] We are committed to protecting children and youth,” said Margarida Tavares.

Margarida Tavares was asked questions from PSD and PCP about the impact of these changes on the industry, especially in Madeira and the Azores, and what measures are being taken to help those who smoke.

“This law is distinguished by its progressiveness and even the presence of transitional standards that allow adaptation not only of society, but also of trade and industry,” he said.

The government’s anti-smoking proposal equates traditional tobacco with heated tobacco, tightens the ban on vending machines and bans outdoor smoking in schools, colleges and hospitals.

One of the measures originally included in the proposed law was a ban on the sale of tobacco at gas stations, but this was opposed by representatives of the sector. The government later rescinded the rule, saying that in some places, “the place to buy tobacco will be far away.”