Jan van Aken, head of the Left Party, urged that the VAT be lowered swiftly as food prices are expected to rise. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” Saturday issue, he said, “Rapid help would be reducing the VAT on staples to zero percent and on all other foods to seven percent. That can be implemented fast and would bring tangible relief”.
He called on fellow lawmakers, including Merz and Klingbeil, to “finally get out of the rut”. Van Aken warned that the high petrol prices already strain consumers, and that a “price explosion” in food would be a disaster for many who are already feeling the impact of rising costs.
The Left leader also demanded a state price‑watching body that would scrutinise whether food conglomerates try to overcharge again. In crises he stresses that food must remain affordable and that firms must not raise their earnings at the expense of hardworking citizens.
The coalition task force set up by the CDU/CSU and SPD will meet again on Friday to review the fallout from the war in Iran, including the rise in food prices.
