There will be criticism from several quarters after the government’s budget proposal to lower the tax on snus by 20 percent.
– It is a disaster. We need to help people stop snuffing, not more snuffers, says Helen Stjerna, general secretary of A non smoking generation.
Lowering the tax on snuff by 20 percent is expected to make a snuff box three kroner cheaper on average.
– This proposal means that more young people will start snus and expose themselves to all the harm risks that snus actually entails, says Helen Stjerna, general secretary of A non smoking generation.
Reduces snus – increases cigs
At the same time, the tax on cigarettes is to be increased by nine percent, or approximately four kroner per pack. The government justifies it by saying that smoking is more dangerous than snuff.
– Although snus is perhaps less dangerous than cigarettes, it is still far from harmless, says Helen Stjerna.
“A good suggestion”
The government and the Sweden Democrats believe that it is better for public health if people choose snus instead of cigarettes.
SD’s economic policy spokesperson Oscar Sjöstedt believes that the reduced snuff tax is appreciated by the voters.
– We think it is a good proposal and a wise proposal. And I judge that many of the voters will appreciate this proposal, so we are satisfied, says Oscar Sjöstedt.