Russian Finance Minister Encourages More Smoking & Drinking

Alexei Kudrin is certainly not afraid to say exactly what he thinks. The Russian finance minister raised a few eyebrows this week with his comments about the tax revenue benefits of certain popular indulgences.

AFP:

"If you smoke a pack of cigarettes, that means you are giving more to help solve social problems such as boosting demographics, developing other social services and upholding birth rates," Kudrin said, quoted by the Interfax news agency.

"People should understand: Those who drink, those who smoke are doing more to help the state," he said, offering unconventional advice as the Russian government announced plans to raise excise duty on alcohol and cigarettes.

Does this sound like a top for the team at Red Eye? Yes, yes it does.