May 2, Budapest. Ungarns Regierungspartei Fidesz bekräftigt ihre Haltung zur Schadensminderung durch Tabak und bestreitet wissenschaftliche Beweise für die potenziellen Vorteile des Dampfens für die öffentliche Gesundheit. Der Staatssekretär des Innenministeriums, Benec Rétvári, bekräftigt, dass Ungarn das Dampfen weiterhin wie Rauchen behandeln und das Verbot von Dampfaromen nicht aufheben wird.

Michael Landl, Direktor der World Vapers' Alliance, sagte: 

“It is shocking that the Hungarian government still pedals worn-out and debunked myths about vaping. Rétvári systematically ignores scientific evidence proving the benefits of vaping, not to mention the first-hand experience of millions of vapers. Vaping is 95% weniger schädlich als Rauchen und eine effektivere Methode, mit dem Rauchen aufzuhören than traditional therapies such as gum and nicotine patches. The Hungarian approach to vaping will do nothing but cost lives.” 

The statement is a written response to a question asked by MP Laszló Lukács regarding the future treatment of vaping by the Hungarian government.

Furthermore, the government refuses to recognize the success of other countries that follow a harm-reduction approach. If they did, it would become clear that the current approach is wrong. The United Kingdom and Sweden are experiencing record-low smoking rates and fewer smoking-induced illnesses than Hungary because they encourage smokers to switch by smart regulation. At the same time, the Hungarian government continues its failing prohibitionist approach.

„The statement shows that Hungary intends to keep ignoring science and spreading misinformation about vaping. This is not a good sign for public health. Vaping is not the same as smoking and must be treated differently. Equating a 95% less harmful alternative with smoking will prevent thousands of smokers from quitting,” added Landl.