Federal Council: Cigarettes and alcohol more expensive? States report resistance
The Federal Government is hoping for higher revenues to plug holes in the budget. Some Prime Ministers think that's the wrong way. On the contrary, they want more relief at the petrol station.
Germany's planned tax increases on tobacco, alcohol, and sparkling wine have met resistance in the Bundesrat. Several states, including Hesse and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, are instead calling for lower fuel prices, with some demanding petrol prices below two euros. The debate comes as the Bundesrat discusses the 2027 federal budget, which includes 555.4 billion euros in spending and 118.7 billion euros in debt.
A survey found that two-thirds of citizens doubt Chancellor Friedrich Merz's ability to push through his reform agenda.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
