Politics · Germany · 4 hrs ago
Union-led state ministers oppose planned sugar tax in letter to Merz
Seven of the eight agriculture ministers from states led by the CDU or CSU signed a letter opposing a planned tax on sugary products.
They sent it to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the head of the Chancellery and the leader of the Union parliamentary group.
The letter emerged during a CDU crisis meeting and challenged an agreement between the Union and the SPD to introduce the tax.
The planned tax is due to start on 1 July, but it would need support in the Bundesrat, where Germany’s states are represented.
If the ministers follow through on their opposition, the tax would not pass there.
The article also says at least 12 Union lawmakers oppose the sugar tax, while more than 20 oppose a planned plastic tax.
If neither tax goes ahead, the SPD says next year’s federal budget could be at risk, along with the coalition government.
Seven of the eight agriculture ministers from states led by the Union parties opposed a planned tax on sugary products in a letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The letter challenged a reported agreement between the Union and the Social Democrats to introduce the tax.
Bavaria’s agriculture minister, Michaela Kaniber, reportedly made the letter more forceful, according to Bild.
The tax is planned to take effect on 1 July, but its prospects in the Bundesrat are uncertain.
Bild reported that at least 12 lawmakers in Merz’s parliamentary group also oppose the sugar tax.
- Who
- Seven Union-led state agriculture ministers wrote the letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- What
- They opposed a planned consumer tax on sugary products.
- When
- The letter surfaced on Sunday, according to Bild. The tax is planned to start on 1 July; the year is not stated.
- Where
- Germany; the letter was addressed to Merz, the head of the Chancellery Nina Warken and Union parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei.
- Why
- The ministers said they opposed a consumer tax on sugary products. The letter does not give a further reason.
Union-led state agriculture ministers
Supporters of the planned sugar tax
Tax policy
Union-led state agriculture ministers
The ministers said they opposed a consumer tax on sugary products.
Supporters of the planned sugar tax
The Union and Social Democrats were reported to have agreed on the new tax.
We as ministers of Union-led agriculture departments oppose a consumer tax on products containing sugar.
Bild reported an agreement between the Union and the Social Democrats on a new sugar tax.
The letter opposing the planned tax surfaced during a CDU crisis meeting.
The planned sugar tax is due to take effect.
- Signatories
- Seven of the eight Union-led state agriculture ministers
- Non-signatory
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Tax start
- 1 July
- Opposition in Merz’s parliamentary group
- At least 12 lawmakers oppose the sugar tax
- Plastic tax
- Planned for 1 January 2027
Sources
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