Uruguay Parliament sends questionnaire to senators over cigarette discovery

Uruguay's Parliament is investigating alleged cigarette consumption within its premises, with the Legal Department of the Administrative Commission of the Legislative Palace sending a questionnaire to two senators from the National Party. Senators Sergio Botana and Sebastián Da Silva received the inquiry as part of an administrative investigation into smoking within the building.

The investigation was prompted by a complaint from opposition legislators in late June. They reported that Ministry of Public Health (MSP) officials and administrative staff entered their offices to conduct inspections. This action followed a letter from Vice President Carolina Cosse, who informed parliamentarians that cigarette butts had been found in the Martín C. Martínez hall, reminding them that smoking inside the building is prohibited.

The questionnaire, shared by Senator Da Silva on social media, specifically asks about his presence in the Martín C. Martínez hall during the interpellation of the Minister of Economy and Finance, Gabriel Oddone, on June 22. It also inquires whether he witnessed anyone smoking or smelled smoke, and if he himself was smoking in the hall that day. The questionnaire further asks if Da Silva knows who else was present.

Senator Da Silva responded by signing the letter and stating it would be returned "as inappropriate." He added, "This is not Egypt." Earlier, on June 29, the Minister of Public Health, Cristina Lustemberg, had addressed the opposition's complaints. She confirmed an inspection was conducted following a report but stated that "no irregularities were verified by the inspection body within the Legislative Palace." Lustemberg emphasized the importance of legislators setting an example for citizens by adhering to regulations, including the ban on smoking in public spaces.