Switzerland: referendum on the abolition of cigarette advertising
Audio 01:21
An election poster in favor of banning tobacco advertising in Switzerland, February 8, 2022. © VALENTIN FLAURAUD/AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
The Swiss must say this Sunday, February 13 if they agree to ban cigarette advertising, wherever minors have access to it.
A measure of common sense for the supporters of the text, given as a winner in the polls and which would allow Switzerland to no longer wear the dunce cap.
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With our correspondent in Geneva,
Jérémie Lanche
The dynamism of the Swiss economy is more readily associated with watchmaking or the banking sector.
Less to the big tobacco groups which have made the country one of their rear bases.
Three multinationals have their headquarters there.
Their influence is felt even in Parliament, where elected officials are sometimes paid by the industry.
To vote for a total ban on tobacco advertising would be a strong gesture, according to Pascal Diethelm.
At the head of an association for the fight against smoking.
Even if he prefers to remain cautious:
"
Insofar as we have this industry which has a massive presence in Switzerland, it would be naive to believe that all of a sudden, they will throw in the towel if this vote passes and stop interfering in the policies of public health.
And it will take a long time before Switzerland becomes a model student.
»
If the initiative is accepted, it would ban tobacco advertising, including on social networks.
Contrary to the law, wanted by the government, considered outdated by the associations: “
The counter-project is a Prévert-style list of advertising methods that companies no longer use.
For example, billboards and newspaper advertising that tobacco companies long ago abandoned.
»
The ban on advertising is supported by the left and medical associations.
The right opposes it.
Believing that it is contrary to economic freedom.
►Also listen: Priority health - Tobacco and respiratory diseases
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