Germany's sugar levy faces pushback from Greens and conservatives amid cabinet talks

Germany's plan to introduce a sugar tax is drawing opposition from across the political spectrum. Green co-leader Felix Banaszak supports the concept in principle but fears the proposal is being used primarily to plug holes in the federal budget rather than to address health concerns. On the right, CDU premier Boris Rhein calls for the tax's abandonment, warning that higher prices on food and beverages would strain households already coping with elevated costs, and suggests focusing on cheaper energy and reduced social contributions.

The Agriculture Ministry shares reservations, while consumer advocacy group Foodwatch backs the levy and industry bodies remain firmly against it. At the same time, Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other cabinet members are holding a second-day session at Neuhardenberg Castle in Brandenburg, with briefings expected for the press. In the economic sphere, German exporters are feeling more optimistic, and the Ifo institute reports that export demand, especially from the EU, is gaining momentum.