A proposal by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Schleswig-Holstein to introduce a new tax on beverages with high sugar content has sparked internal debate and drawn mixed reactions within Germany’s political landscape.
The initiative, recently adopted at a CDU retreat in Rendsburg, aims to combat rising rates of childhood obesity and aims for a nationwide policy change, including a potential ban on energy drink sales to minors under 16. However, the proposal has encountered resistance from within the CDU itself.
The parliamentary group of the Union and the CDU state association in Rhineland-Palatinz have expressed opposition, arguing that such a tax overlooks the complexities of nutrition and the various factors contributing to weight gain, such as insufficient physical activity. They advocate for promoting broader participation in sports as a more effective approach.
Johannes Steiniger, the Union’s parliamentary spokesperson for food policy, emphasized that the proposed tax and sales ban are not included in the governing coalition agreement for precisely these reasons.
Conversely, the initiative has garnered support from unexpected quarters. Federal Family Minister Karin Prien, who represents a constituency in Schleswig-Holstein and presented the proposal, alongside members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) parliamentary group, are voicing their backing.
SPD parliamentarian Svenja Stadler argued that voluntary commitments from the beverage industry have failed to yield sufficient improvements in dietary habits. She believes a sugar tax could be an effective tool for reducing sugar content in drinks and protecting children and young people.
Even former Agriculture Minister and Green Party’s lead candidate for the state election in Baden-Württemberg, Cem Özdemir, has welcomed the proposal, suggesting support for a sugar tax modeled after the British system and underlining the need to make healthy food accessible to all.
