In a recent Facebook post, former Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga criticized Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė after she accepted symbolic drone gifts from Philip Morris International. Veryga suggested that receiving funds from tobacco manufacturers while promoting public health initiatives is contradictory and undermines the government's credibility regarding health policies. He lamented that the Prime Minister's public health diploma 'cries crocodile tears', reflecting on the questionable integrity of such partnerships.

The event in question was attended by Michal Mierzejewski, the Vice President of Philip Morris International for Northern and Eastern Europe, who presented the drones intended to aid combatting smuggling and hybrid threats at Lithuania's border. During her remarks, Ruginienė emphasized the importance of the collaboration, arguing that corporate responsibility extends beyond business interests and into fulfilling important state functions. This has raised eyebrows among critics who question the legitimacy of receiving support from an industry that directly impacts public health negatively.

Many experts and observers are concerned that such partnerships signal a troubling trend where health initiatives may be influenced or compromised by tobacco industry interests. The criticism from Veryga underscores the ongoing tensions in Lithuania regarding tobacco regulation and public health, highlighting a significant dilemma facing governments worldwide when balancing economic support from corporations against the imperative to protect public health. The discourse is pivotal as it could influence future legislative measures regarding tobacco taxation and public health initiatives in the country.