Sugar tax: CDU state ministers speak out against planned levy
Nine agricultural and consumer protection ministers argue that the sugar tax unnecessarily adds to the cost of buying certain foods. The tax is controversial.
Nine German state ministers have written to Chancellor Friedrich Merz opposing plans for a sugar tax. The ministers, from states including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Nordrhein-Westfalen, argue that the tax would unfairly burden certain food purchases and that education, personal responsibility, and innovation are better ways to reduce sugar consumption.
The letter comes after Chancellor Merz's office blocked Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil's plans for the tax, although Klingbeil has stated that he remains committed to introducing it. The proposed tax would apply to drinks with more than 5g of sugar per 100ml from July 2027.
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