In preparation for the EU election – Politicians respond to the existence or non-existence of snus

The issue of snus has become a central point for Swedish voters ahead of the upcoming EU election. A survey from MinPrilla.se shows that over 90% of consumers consider the snus issue important for how they plan to vote. However, over 50% do not know where the different parties stand on the issue. Now, Here is an overview of the parties' positions.

"Snus is a part of our Swedish culture and identity. It is crucial that our politicians take a stand and protect our interests in the EU," says Tomas Ekström, press contact at MinPrilla.se.

Summary of the parties' opinions and values

We have gathered responses from politicians and party representatives to gain insight into their strategies and positions. A common denominator among most parties is that they want the snus issue to be handled at the national level rather than by the EU. Many also see snus as a less harmful alternative to smoking, which can be an important public health issue. A new study from Lakeville shows that alternative nicotine products such as snus and nicotine pouches are crucial in helping smokers quit smoking. This study emphasizes that Sweden could soon be a smoke-free country thanks to the availability of less harmful nicotine alternatives.

The parties' positions in brief

Social Democrats: National self-determination, oppose EU ban.

Moderates: Protect white snus from bans and high taxes, promote snus sales within the EU.

Sweden Democrats: Protect the Swedish exemption for snus, export white snus to the EU.

Green Party: National regulation of snus, invest in research on health effects.

Centre Party: Review legislation on nicotine products, base legislation on science.

Christian Democrats: Free sale of snus within the EU, protect white snus from bans and high taxes.

Left Party: Sweden should decide on snus, reduce nicotine use.

Liberals: No information received.

The Moderates, Christian Democrats, and Sweden Democrats are the most aggressive in their plans to expand snus sales within the EU, while the Green Party and Centre Party are more cautious and focus on research and scientific basis. The Left Party emphasizes national independence but lacks specific strategies to address potential EU bans, and the Liberals' lack of response creates uncertainty about their position on the snus issue. In summary, the parties' positions show broad agreement on national self-determination and an overall positive view of snus as a harm reduction tool.

"It is clear that the snus issue divides the Swedish parties, but there is a common denominator in that many want to keep snus regulation national and ensure that the EU does not impose bans that negatively affect Swedish snus users," says Tomas Ekström.

Why are we raising the issue of snus?

Snus, a traditional Swedish product, faces potential threats within the EU's regulatory framework. The survey from MinPrilla shows that the snus issue is not just a marginal issue but a central concern for many Swedish voters. Despite this, the survey indicates that a majority of respondents are unsure where the parties stand on the issue, highlighting the need for clearer political positions. By summarizing the parties' positions, we hope to provide voters with the information they need to make an informed choice.

We have gathered all the parties' opinions and positions on the issue. For more information and details on the parties' positions, contact our press spokesperson Tomas Ekström.