Bulgaria's New Health Min Refuses to Back Lifting of Full Smoking Ban

Bulgaria’s newly sworn-in Health Minister has refused to support the proposed “liberalization” of the existing full smoking ban in enclosed public spaces.

Tanya Andreeva, who took oath of office on Wednesday, said that the Health Ministry would not come up with a proposal to ease the full smoking ban.

“My opinion as a physician and a non-smoker is that the smoking ban should not be eased,” the Health Minister told reporters, as cited by 24 Chasa.

However, she pointed out that the Parliament would have the final say on the matter.
New Bulgarian Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski has hinted that the country is likely to reexamine the full smoking ban imposed exactly one year ago by the center-right GERB government of former PM Boyko Borisov.

The majority of Bulgarian lawmakers are likely to vote in favor of easing the ban. However, the move may cause public outrage, according to local media.

Over 40 000 Bulgarians have already signed an online petition in favor of keeping the full smoking ban.

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