Yesmoke Tobacco S.p.A. – Cigarette factory

The European Commission opened infringement proceedings against Greece, France, Belgium, Ireland, Italy and Austria over the "Minimum Price of Cigarettes".

Gabriella Alemanno, Strategy Director of the State Monopoly Administration, sister of the Agriculture Minister, Gianni Alemanno

"Minimum prices distort competition and just benefit manufacturers by safeguarding their profit margins" … "Minimum prices are not necessary, since the health objectives may be attained by increased taxation on tobacco products". This is the position of the European Commission, according to Taxation Commissioner László Kovac.

But here comes the Italian Republic, that decides to speak up, in spite of the fact that Philip Morris, the tobacco multinational makes its profits, in this case, at the expence of the State revenues. The AAMS (Agenzia Amministrazione Monopoli di Stato), with the promptness of a defending attorney of the foreign multinational, points out:

“The decision to adopt the minimum price was made fully respecting Community regulations regarding processed tobacco and the safeguarding of public health, and it was adopted applying a specific legislative measure, that is, Article 1, paragraph 486, of Law 30-12-2004, no. 311."

…All perfectly regular, then. Read more »