Kommentar: Klingbeils Klarstellung lässt den wichtigsten Punkt unerwähnt
Die Pläne aus dem Finanzministerium, auch Zero-Getränke zu besteuern, hätten einen sinnvollen Expertenvorschlag ins Gegenteil verkehrt. Doch zur Verwendung der Millionen sagt Klingbeil nichts.
In a recent clarification by SPD Minister Lars Klingbeil, the importance of his initial proposal regarding a sugar tax on sweetened beverages has been overlooked. The experts of the Reform Commission for the statutory health insurance (GKV) had estimated that such a tax could generate approximately 450 million euros annually in Germany.
However, officials at the Finance Ministry also considered taxing beverages based on fruit, animal, and plant milk, as well as alcohol-free mixed beers, with higher tax rates than previously anticipated. They even planned to levy a sugar tax on zero-calorie drinks containing artificial sweeteners.
The proposal faced widespread criticism, prompting Klingbeil to clarify that it was merely an internal consideration. He firmly stated, "That's not what I want." This is a wise decision, as such a tax would have failed to achieve its intended purpose and would have contradicted scientific recommendations. A sugar tax on sweetened beverages is crucial in preventing manufacturers from reacting, as seen in the United Kingdom, by reducing the sugar content and adding artificial sweeteners.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
