Russia’s Finance Minister Alexi Kudri has told people to smoke and drink more, explaining that higher consumption would help lift tax revenues for spending on social services. Speaking as the Russian government announces plans to raise the duty on alcohol and cigarettes, Alexei Kudrin said that by smoking a pack, “You are giving more to help solve social problems such as boosting demographics, developing other social services and upholding birth rates. People should understand,” he told the Interfax news agency, “Those who drink, those who smoke are doing more to help the state.”

Alcohol and cigarette consumption are already extremely high in Russia, where 65 percent of the men smoke and the average Russian consumes 18 litres of alcoholic beverages (mainly vodka) per year, according to official statistics.  Russian duties on cigarettes are among the lowest in Europe, with most brands priced at around 40 roubles (85p) per pack and unfiltered cigarettes selling for much less. Read more.