The UNM protests tobacco price increase

One of the main arguments for the increase of excise taxes on tobacco is that the money raised will go to providing health care for Georgia's population. Approximately 11,000 people die every year in Georgia from tobacco-related illnesses. Members of the United National Movement (UNM) have suggested that the real reason the current Georgian government has raised excise taxes on tobacco is to increase budgetary revenue. The UNM has suggested that smokers will not quit due to the increased price of cigarettes but will rather switch to cheaper brands that will actually be more harmful to their health. According to the same argument, increase of tobacco prices will also encourage smuggling.