Bulgaria PM Fails to Quit Smoking, Lights Only on Hectic Days

The Prime Minister still smokes cigars but only occasionally. File photo

Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov's January resolution not to put a cigar in his mouth any more lasted just four months, as he was seen smoking one on his party's town meeting.

Borisov lighted a big cigar during a meeting in the Southeastern town of Haskovo, the 24 chasa daily reported.

In January, the Prime Minister declared he quit smoking in order to be a good role model, after he imposed a ban on the unhealthy habit in all government buildings. Furthermore, he pointed out cigar smoking was a heavy burden on his monthly budget.

Even though Borisov was seen braking his promise, the governmental press office stated he only lights a cigar only after a hard day.

In the beginning of January, Borisov endorsed the idea of a full smoking ban in bars and caffes until 11:30 PM. Such a measure was to be enforced in 2010, but was postponed by the government with the argument that it might harm the tourism.

Bulgaria will introduce a full smoking ban, but not earlier than 2012, the country's Health Minister, Stefan Konstantinov, declared recently.

Bulgaria is second only to Greece in the percentage of smokers, and first in the EU on the percentage of smokers between 15 and 20 years of age

According to the current restrictions that entered into effect on December 19, 2010, indoor smoking in restaurants, clubs, bars, hotels, railroad stations, airports, malls, offices and schools is allowed only in separate spaces with closing doors.

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