There is internal dissent within the CDU regarding the proposed tax on sugary drinks. Sven Schulze, the Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, has stated that he will not support the sugar tax. According to “Der Spiegel”, Schulze believes that the tax will not bring about noticeable changes in public health awareness, nor will it help the healthcare system. Furthermore, he questions whether the anticipated additional tax revenue will materialize. The coalition had initially agreed during negotiations over the savings package for statutory health insurance that the tax would begin in 2027. Nevertheless, Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) anticipates that the first year alone will generate €650 million in extra income.
Censure is also coming from within the CDU parliamentary group. CDU MP Vanessa Zobel argued that the German state is not currently experiencing an income deficit. She asserted that introducing new taxes that impact small and medium-sized businesses would exacerbate the already strained economic conditions, claiming that companies require relief rather than further artificial levies. Additionally, CDU MP Axel Knoerig raised concerns about the timing of the tax implementation. He warned that moving the start date forward by a year, in contrast to the initial plan, would jeopardize planning security for businesses. Warken’s expert commission had originally recommended a starting date of January 1, 2028.
