Minister: 'Drinking, smoking helps Russia'

Russia's finance minister has reportedly claimed that smokers and drinkers benefit the state by helping to raise government revenue.

The Interfax news agency quotes Alexei Kudrin as suggesting that those who indulge in the addictive habits help others through the payment of taxes on their vices.

According to AFP, Kudrin said: "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.

"People should understand: Those who drink, those who smoke are doing more to help the state."

The Russian government recently announced plans to increase taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.