Russians urged to drink and smoke more to help the economy

Alexei Kudrin, Russia’s finance minister, has rather bizarrely urged Russians to drink and smoke more - to help the government's cash flow. Politicians usually urge citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, but Mr Kudrin has called for increased consumption of tobacco and alcohol in a bid to lift the state's revenues. It's a position that's sure to spark debate in the country.

“If you smoke a pack of cigarettes, that means you are giving more to help solve social problems," commented Kudrin.

"People should understand: Those who drink, those who smoke are doing more to help the state," Kudrin continued.

Russia, noted for its high consumptions of both cigarettes and alcohol, have among the lowest duties on cigarettes in Europe. In June, plans to double the excise duty on cigarettes from 250 roubles, roughly £5 per 1,000 cigarettes, to 590 roubles (£12.49) by 2013 were outlined.

The finance ministry's plans are sure to be met with distain by the Russian population, who are famously fond of their tobacco. Not so long ago a cigarette shortage led to protests in the country.

The comments by the minister seem to contradict recent government moves to control Russia’s excessive nature and improve its abysmal life expectancy rates. Night-time sales of alcohol are now prohibited and the country has adopted a zero-tolerance ban on drink-driving.


/Metro.co.uk/