PRD challenges cigarette minimum price policy in Brazil

The Democratic Renewal Party (PRD) has filed a lawsuit with the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) to challenge the federal government's policy regarding the minimum sale price of cigarettes. The legal action, filed as Arguição de Descumprimento de Preceito Fundamental (ADPF) 1361, has been assigned to Minister Cristiano Zanin.

The PRD argues that current price adjustments are insufficient to discourage tobacco consumption and protect public health. The party contends that recent increases, such as the move to R$ 7.50 per pack in May, have failed to keep pace with accumulated inflation. Furthermore, the party claims there is a lack of periodic evaluations and objective criteria for updating these prices, which undermines the state's constitutional duty to protect population health.

The lawsuit requests that the STF recognize an omission by the Union and mandates that the federal government present a work plan within 90 days to address the issue. In a final ruling, the PRD seeks a requirement for federal agencies to evaluate the necessity of adjusting minimum prices within 180 days, based on technical criteria, inflation, and the public health impacts of smoking.