13.02.2025 Prevention is still an underestimated component of preventive healthcare. Tobacco prevention plays a paramount role in this, as stopping smoking is undisputedly by far the most effective measure for reducing non-communicable diseases and is therefore also a significant cost factor. At the same time, consistent tobacco control has a positive effect on other areas of life, which is why the next federal government must urgently make up for previous omissions as an important part of a policy shift.
Health policy issues are barely present in the current election campaign, and they also play a comparatively minor role in the election programmes. This is actually incomprehensible, as our everyday lives are strongly characterised by how healthy we are, how easy it is to access medical care and nursing and how deep we have to dig into our pockets to do so.
Every year, tobacco and nicotine consumption causes 127,000 premature deaths among smokers and non-smokers, as well as numerous chronic diseases and health risks, causing endless suffering for those affected and their families. In addition, the costs of smoking for the state budget and society as a whole total at least 100 billion euros per year, which are not nearly covered by revenues of only 14 billion euros in tobacco tax. The only winner is the tobacco industry, which is highly influential in Germany and has so far been able to prevent or weaken effective regulations, for example:
- Significantly increase tobacco taxes: “Increasing tobacco taxes contributes more to reducing premature mortality than any other health policy measure.” (Lancet Commission on Investing in Health, October 2024)
- Ensure comprehensive non-smoker protection from tobacco, nicotine and cannabis emissions nationwide in all indoor spaces and outdoors where necessary
- Ban advertising and sponsorship completely, including at party events
- Protect political decision-making processes from tobacco industry influence
- Reduce environmental damage caused by cigarette and e-cigarette waste
- Reduce the appeal of nicotine lifestyle products to young people by banning flavours
- Restrict the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to licensed specialist shops
We can effectively reduce chronic illnesses and incapacity to work, and therefore the costs of the healthcare system, simply by increasing tobacco taxes and good non-smoker protection. This will reduce non-wage labour costs – good for employees and employers. Standardised nationwide protection against passive smoking without complicated exemptions is not only fairer, but also relieves the burden on enforcement authorities. Avoiding expensive environmental damage caused by toxic waste and excessive fires during waste disposal not only protects the habitat of humans, animals and plants, but also saves considerable costs. Smoke-free public places, where many people come together, are not only cleaner and safer, but also give all population groups equal opportunities to participate and socialise undisturbed. Last but not least, by signing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), we have made commitments that we should finally fulfil.
Money or life? Tobacco costs us both. A policy against tobacco is a policy for people and should be high on the agenda of the next German government!
Read more:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02191-3/abstract
Rehabilitate the budget AND save lives in the process? Yes, we can!