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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Portugal PM Gets Heat for Smoking on Plane

Was he just blowing smoke when he backed Portugal's cigarette ban?

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(Newser) – Portugal banned smoking in public places five months ago but the country's prime minister appears to have forgotten the rule his own government enacted. Jose Socrates—known to be a smoker in private—stunned passengers and triggered an uproar when he blithely lit up in the first-class cabin of a TAP flight from Lisbon to Caracas.

"I didn't think I was breaking the law," the prime minister told reporters after his infraction was revealed. "I thought I could smoke. I always did before. Unfortunately, this has generated controversy and I am regretful."

Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, with his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Zapatero. Both men have been criticized for smoking in public in defiance of their own governments'bans.
Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, with his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Zapatero. Both men have been criticized for smoking in public in defiance of their own governments'bans.   (AP Photo/Paulo Duarte)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, speaks with Portugal's Prime Minister Jose Socrates during a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Caracas.
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, speaks with Portugal's Prime Minister Jose Socrates during a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace in Caracas.   (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, and Portugal's Prime Minister Jose Socrates in an oil field in Venezuela's Orinoco Oil Belt.
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, and Portugal's Prime Minister Jose Socrates in an oil field in Venezuela's Orinoco Oil Belt.   (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office)
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Venezuela • Spain • Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero • secondhand smoke • Portugal • Lisbon • Caracas • smoking ban • Jose Socrates • TAP

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