Bulgarian Socialists Seek Ways to Ease Smoking Ban - Report

The ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party is planning to review and tone down the full smoking ban, a controversial move, in which they will rely on the nationalists’ support, according to media reports. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency

Bulgaria’s ruling Socialists are actively working behind the scenes to ease the full ban on smoking in public places in the country, according to media reports.

The Socialists have already prepared draft legislation and have been assured by the nationalist Ataka MPs that they can rely on their votes for pushing it through parliament, the reports claim.

The legislative act was passed during the term in office of Bulgaria's previous cabinet of center-rightists GERB.

The now ruling Bulgarian Socialist Party initially suggested it is willing to review and tone down the ban, but then gave indications it has backtracked.

Speaking in July Bulgarian Minister of Health Tanya Andreeva said he full ban on smoking in public places in Bulgaria ought not to be lifted.

In the interview Andreeva even said she intends to propose higher fines for breaking the smoking ban to ensure better compliance.

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