Advocacy for Public Smoking Prohibition Pushed by the Green Party in Germany

In accordance with the Green Party's desires, a proposed smoking ban in public places of France should extend to Germany as well. According to the health policy spokesperson of the Bundestag faction, Janosch Dahmen, spoken to 'Rheinische Post' on Saturday, such a ban, similar to France's plan,...

, and Administrator

2025 June 1 . 1:10 PM

2 min read

France's announced public smoking ban draws backing from Germany's Janosch Dahmen, health spokesman... — France's announced public smoking ban draws backing from Germany's Janosch Dahmen, health spokesman of the Federal Parliament's fraction, in a 'Rheinische Post' interview (Saturday). "A smoking ban in public places, similar to France's proposal, is justified - even for Germany," he stated. To safeguard children, it's crucial to make their daily surroundings smoke-free.

Advocacy for Public Smoking Prohibition Pushed by the Green Party in Germany

Smoke-Free Public Spaces Called for in Germany, Following France's Lead

Members of the Green Party in Germany have advocated for a Ban on smoking in public places, mirroring the measures enacted in France.

Janosch Dahmen, the health policy spokesperson for the parliamentary group, suggested that such a move would be essential for effectively protecting children. He emphasized that parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, and school and sports facility entrances should be included in the smoke-free zones.

Dahmen also acknowledged the importance of France's more extensive measures in reducing the health risks of smoking. These include significantly higher tobacco taxes, sales bans outside licensed shops, and a comprehensive advertising and sponsorship ban. Such measures, he argued, are essential for Germany due to the annual expenditure of over 30 billion euros by health insurance companies on treating smoking-related diseases.

The Social Democratic Party (SPD) also supports France's example, pushing for comprehensive smoking bans. Dagmar Schmidt, the deputy parliamentary group leader, praised the new French ban as a brave step, commendable for its clear signal towards health and child protection. She highlighted the vulnerability of children to passive smoke exposure, arguing that they inhale the same air as adults despite their more sensitive bodies.

Schmidt further noted that a similar legal framework in Germany would not only improve air quality but also contribute to the prevention of addiction by decreasing the visibility of smoking in everyday life. This would potentially help de-normalize smoking, particularly among children.

The Green Party in Germany is advocating for a broader approach in protecting health and wellness, calling for a ban on smoking in health-and-wellness zones such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, school entrances, and sports facilities.
Acknowledging the positive impact of France's comprehensive smoking bans on mental health and fitness-and-exercise, Janosch Dahmen suggests implementing similar measures in Germany to curb the annual expenditure of over 30 billion euros on treating smoking-related diseases.
Dagmar Schmidt, the deputy parliamentary group leader of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), supports such measures, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, as reducing the visibility of smoking in public places could potentially help de-normalize smoking and prevent addiction, particularly among children.