Swiss diplomats placed request for tobacco firm in Moldova
Swiss officials lodged a request with Moldovan authorities on behalf of Philip Morris to request the cigarette manufacturer be giving a voice in discussions around new tobacco regulation, Swiss media has reported.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/dos
According to the Le Temps newspaper, diplomats from the Swiss embassy in Kiev – which also covers interests in Chisinau, the Moldovan capital – lodged the request in July as politicians in the eastern European country were debating a harsh new tobacco law.
Philip Morris told the newspaper that they asked the Swiss embassy to push for “the possibility to contribute, like all other interested parties, to a public consultation about legislative proposals that would affect smokers and our business”.
The tobacco giant, based in Lausanne, is a big employer and tax-payer in Moldova, a country where some 50% of people are affected by smoking, Le Temps writes.
However, a new administration that took office in June has embarked on a range of progressive reforms, including efforts to raise taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Economic interests
The foreign ministry in Bern told Le Temps that the request sent to Moldovan authorities solely concerned the consultation process and did not touch on the content of the new legislation, which it said was a matter for the parliament in Chisinau to decide.
It also defended its support for Philip Morris: “one of the tasks of Swiss embassies is to represent the interests of the Swiss economy in their host country,” it told the newspaper. “That’s why it happens quite often that embassies are contacted directly by companies.”
The story comes just a few weeks after a public debate around Philip Morris’ role in sponsoring the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Following negative headlines and criticism by health organisations, the partnership was dropped.
The tobacco group did manage to get a hearing regarding the new legislation in Moldova, on July 17, Le Temps writes. Politicians, however, turned a deaf ear, accepting the new law at the end of the month.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
This content was published on
Under-fire Foreign Affairs Minister Ignazio Cassis has dumped tobacco company Philip Morris as a sponsor of the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
This content was published on
The Swiss foreign ministry is facing criticism over its deal to let the tobacco multinational Philip Morris act as co-sponsor of major events abroad.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.