Skopje, 30 May 2026 (MIA) - The draft Law on Protection Against Smoking was not prepared ad hoc or through a forceful approach, but through an inclusive process in consultation with all stakeholders, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said.

Mickoski underlined that the main goal is to minimize tobacco consumption as much as possible. He added that there will be no privileged treatment in the law’s implementation, regardless of location within the city or the country. He expects the draft to be included on the government’s session on Tuesday and urges its prompt adoption.

“I want to be brief and precise regarding this legislative solution, which, like many other laws that can be polarizing, was not adopted ad hoc or through a forceful approach, but through an inclusive process with consultations with all stakeholders. These included associations, producers, distributors, hoteliers, restaurant owners, and nightclub operators. In fact, the entire process resulted in a product from which all of us should be equally dissatisfied. Because when you work on such a law, it is not possible for everyone to be equally satisfied, that is not possible, that is alchemy, and we are neither alchemists nor miracle workers. Those who claim to be miracle workers are not telling the truth. In the end, I believe we all have a small degree of dissatisfaction, but we are all satisfied that we have reached a common compromise,” Mickoski said who together with Health Minister Azir Aliu held a meeting with trade associations and other stakeholders regarding the draft Law on Protection Against Smoking.

He said that no law can be perfect or ideal, but that the Government believes this solution largely regulates the relations in society regarding the production and distribution of tobacco products. He added that he expects its consistent enforcement, noting that this was not the case with previous laws in this field.

“I must admit that even up to now there have been certain legal solutions that, unfortunately, were not implemented as all of us expected. Inspections will be rigorous across the entire territory of the country. I repeat, across the entire territory of the country. There will be no privileged regions, cities or settlements where the law will not be respected. I guarantee this, and there will be no pardon,” he said.

He expects that the consistent implementation of this law will yield positive results for people’s health. He called for the law to be adopted as quickly as possible, adding once again that there will be no privileged treatment.

Photo: MIA