German Sugar Tax Sparks New Government Row
The plan would have taxed the sweetest drinks at 38 cents a litre and was expected to raise about €1 billion a year, officials said.
- On Thursday, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's office suspended Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's sugar tax proposal, citing departure from expert recommendations and insufficient government support.
- Persistent ideological friction between the SPD and CDU/CSU coalition partners since May last year compounded the measure's failure; industry bodies including the German Brewers' Associations lobbied heavily against the tax.
- Documents show the finance ministry's draft proposed taxing the sweetest drinks at 38 cents per litre, exceeding the 32 cents recommended by a government-appointed commission.
- CDU MP Caroline Bosbach praised the Chancellor's office for moving to "hit the emergency brake," while Agricultural Minister Michaela Kaniber of the CSU demanded the government "scrap this tax altogether."
- Despite the setback, Klingbeil told ZDFheute that "We agreed to introduce a sugar tax," reaffirming the measure as a key aim for preventive healthcare and children's health.
69 Articles
69 Articles
The consumer organisation Foodwatch criticizes the temporary stop of the plans for a sugar tax. While the coalition is fighting, the sugar lobby is pleased, said a spokesperson. The current bill would be a milestone in the fight against nutrition-related diseases.
Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Chancellor’s office halts sugar tax plan in coalition showdown, Klopp hits out at racist criticism ahead of first victory, shops to close on Saturday while Berliners could face earlier disruptions and more news on Friday, October 2nd.
German sugar tax sparks new government row
The two parties have repeatedly clashed since forming their latest coalition in May last year. The CDU/CSU tends to take a more pro-business and fiscally cautious line, while the SPD has proposed higher taxes for the wealthy. SPD Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, who also heads the finance ministry, was earlier this year rebuked by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche of the CDU for suggesting a windfall tax on energy companies benefitting from the w…
Even more costs for the citizens, even more money to redistribute for the state: The draft sugar tax was put on hold by the chancellor's office for the time being. However, this new tax is not off the table. While the public's health is officially summoned, the levy should, from 2027 year on, flush the federal government with around one billion euros in the cash registers.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
