Andreas Gassen, the Chairman of the German Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, has publicly advocated for a significant price increase of tobacco and alcoholic products. His stated goal is to discourage, particularly among younger generations, the initiation of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Gassen observed that Germans do not manage their health well, noting that Germany’s life expectancy is below the EU average. He points out that smoking and drinking often begin during youth, leaving the medical system merely to manage the resulting problems.
Gassen specifically called for making a pack of cigarettes considerably more expensive, suggesting that if a pack cost 20 Euros, young people would no longer be able to afford it like they do today, thus preventing smoking from being a successful habit.
This view is also shared by the German Federal Association of Pediatricians. Jakob Maske, a board member of the association, reported that 8 to 9 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 17 smoke. He argues that higher prices would deter many young people from starting smoking and believes cigarette prices should at least be doubled. Maske also emphasized that vaping habits require attention, pointing out that e-cigarettes must also become more expensive.
Currently, the Federal Government is already planning a gradual increase in tobacco taxes. According to a draft from the Federal Ministry of Finance, the average price of a pack of cigarettes could rise to approximately 11.40 Euros by 2030, although a jump to 20 Euros is not currently included in these plans. Furthermore, Hendrik Streeck, the Federal Drug Commissioner, has previously supported higher tobacco taxes, arguing that such measures constitute one of the most effective instruments of public health protection.
