** One more step towards a tobacco -free France: issues and perspectives **
On May 29, the Minister of Health, Catherine Vautrin announced a new measure to ban cigarettes in public spaces such as beaches, parks and near school. This decision is part of a national tobacco control program which aims to reach a “tobacco -free generation”, less than 5 % of smokers by 2032. This project raises a multitude of questions as to its efficiency, its acceptability and its integration into the broader context of public health.
The figures are indicative: in 2023, almost 23 % of adults aged 18 to 75 smoked daily, a decline rate, but which remains worrying. This decrease, although salutary, underlines the need for a strategic approach to slow down this phenomenon and avoid return to higher levels of consumption.
** European comparisons: inspiring models **
On a European scale, countries like Sweden or Spain are ahead of France, having introduced restrictions on tobacco consumption in public environments such as cafes terraces. In Sweden, the rate of smokers fell to 8 %, an example that illustrates the positive impact combined with an increase in prices and the creation of non-smoking areas. Since the establishment of these policies, the Swedish public space has seen a real transformation, thus making it possible to envisage alternatives to the consumption of tobacco.
Another striking example is the city of Milan, which has extended the ban on smoking to public spaces where distancing is not possible. These examples can serve as a basis for reflection for the development of similar measures in France, while taking into account the cultural and social specificities of our country.
** The challenges of the anti -Bacco struggle in France **
Despite the manifest membership of a majority of French people to stricter measures, such as the ban on smoking on terraces, the implementation of such policies remains complex. Tobacco lobbies, active and influential, exerts pressure on decision -makers, creating an environment that can qualify government ambitions. The question then arises: how to reconcile public health recommendations with industrial interests?
Loïc Josseran, professor of medicine, rightly emphasizes the importance of two levers in this struggle: taxation and decommercialization, that is to say the prohibition of purchasing for future generations. These strategies, already experienced in other countries, must be considered seriously, while assessing the risks of a potential black market, as shown by the abandonment of the New Zealand project.
** A holistic approach: educate and raise awareness **
The ban on smoking in public spaces is a measure that can be accompanied by educational and preventive initiatives. Reducing tobacco consumption requires in-depth understanding of health behavior and socio-economic factors. It is crucial to work on health education from an early age and to instill antitabac values within families and schools.
In addition, the fight against smoking cannot be limited to prohibitions. The implementation of support for the cessation of consumption must also be a priority, with improved access to resources such as smoking withdrawal programs.
** Conclusion: Building a future without tobacco **
The fight against tobacco in France is a turning point. The announcement of new prohibitions mark a desire for change, but reflection must continue on the best ways to integrate it into our society. Foreign models can offer precious lessons, but each country must adapt its strategies to its specific context. If continuous efforts are made to educate, raise awareness and impose restrictions while attacking the deep causes of tobacco dependence, France could consider a future where smoking is no longer a social norm.
It is a collective challenge that requires the support of all the actors of society – from governments to citizens, including health professionals – to build a healthier future.