site.btaHalf of Population in North Macedonia Are Smokers, Including 37% of 15-16-Year-Olds

North Macedonia’s Minister of Health, Azir Aliu, said that an in-depth analysis has shown that around half of the country’s population is addicted to cigarettes, with average daily consumption at 18 to 22 cigarettes.

In an interview with TV 24 earlier this week, Aliu said that 7.7% of active smokers are aged 13–14, while around 37% are aged 15–16, describing the use of electronic cigarettes as a “mass phenomenon among young people”.

Aliu announced that a bill on protection from smoking will be put up for public consultation before being submitted to the legislature.

The draft legislation, which proposes strict measures to curb smoking, including the use of electronic devices, and would effectively ban smoking in nearly all public spaces, has sparked strong reactions across the country. Citizens have been particularly active on social media, and the Restaurant Owners’ Chamber has voiced strong objections.

The bill focuses on children and young people, introducing a ban on smoking inside private vehicles when a child is present. According to the Ministry of Health, despite the substantial fines envisaged in the bill, its purpose is not punishment but prevention and public health. The text has been aligned with European regulations and international obligations, including the principles of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

In his interview with TV 24, Aliu said that restrictions must go hand in hand with a system of monitoring and indicators to ensure that the rules are being genuinely enforced.

The law is expected to enter into force at the beginning of March.